By Phillip D. Johnson
An Oscar winning actress, a life changing charity CEO, an Olympic gold medalist, a ground breaking artist and an inspiring nurse of the year – are just a few of the women to showcase the new Fall/Winter 2013 collections in a campaign announced by Marks & Spencer. Shot by acclaimed fashion photographer, Annie Leibovitz, the campaign will launch nationwide on 3rd September – signaling a reassertion of M&S’ leading quality and style credentials.
Billed under the heading ‘Meet Britain’s Leading Ladies’, the campaign celebrates 12 British women from very diverse backgrounds and professions. Despite being very different people, their strong sense of personal style and inspirational achievements which have propelled them to success, are the common threads which bind them together. Be it physical strength, dedication to helping others, overcoming adversity, or simply sheer determination to be the best they can, each woman is truly inspiring.
The full line up is:
Nicola Adams Olympic Gold Winning Boxer
Monica Ali Award-Winning Author
Helen Allen Nurse of the Year 2011
Darcey Bussell Retired Principal Ballerina at The Royal Ballet
Grace Coddington Creative Director of US Vogue
Karen Elson Supermodel and Singer
Tracey Emin Artist and Professor of Drawing at the RoyalAcademy
Ellie Goulding Multiplatinum global recording artist/Brit Award winning Singer/Songwriter
Helen Mirren Multiple Award-Winning Actress
Laura Mvula Breakthrough Singer/Songwriter
Katie Piper Burns survivor, television presenter and charity campaigner.
Jasmine Whitbread CEO of Save the Children International
Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, Executive Director Marketing and Business Development at Mark & Spencer notes, “We wanted this campaign to signal a new and confident tone of voice to introduce Autumn. Annie was the perfect choice to shoot a campaign of this magnitude. Her unmistakable, signature style, with its truly dramatic aesthetic was exactly what we needed to communicate the essence of the campaign and of the new M&S. Annie’s photography has become synonymous with defining key moments in the history of brands over the years and, as such, we feel that this campaign is the ideal way to illustrate M&S’ move into a new era.”
Steve Sharp, Creative Director at M&S added, “We wanted to mark this moment with a confident statement about UK style. The British have a history of being creative and pioneering and these women represent just that. As industry leaders in their field, they make a significant difference that has seen them break boundaries, challenge stereotypes and create visionary artistic work. As the nation’s biggest retailer, we too have broken boundaries throughout our history and it’s this unique position in the marketplace that has enabled us to bring together this remarkable group of people.”
The collection is an effort to reassert Mark & Spencer’s style credentials – with a confident edit of the season’s key trends. This fashion offer is underpinned by a commitment to quality, innovation and leading ethical standards.
The women are shown in strong tableau style shots across four quintessentially British backdrops, showcasing different hero product categories from the Autumn collection. A boat on the River Thames, overlooking the beauty of iconic London landmark Tower Bridge, is the setting for the all important winter coat. The offering is diverse, with luxe fabrics in pretty blush pink shades, soft faux furs in animal prints and clean simple shapes in pale tones for a modern take on effortless dressing. Attention to quality and style is key, with noble yarns featuring across the range as well as several distinctive silhouettes adding variation.
The British countryside with its lush green rolling hills is the perfect backdrop for the ultra feminine per una range. From the chic cream statement coat and head turning bold print wrap dress to a timeless soft leather jacket, it’s the considered detailing of the per una range that exudes a touch everyday glamour. A London artist’s studio sets the scene for the rebellious yet playful ’London Calling’ trend, a combination of bold checks, relaxed textured wools and sleek leather trims captures the creative spirit of individuality in a palette of reds and blacks.
A traditional country house is the setting for the dresses scene, with quality fabrics and innovative design taking precedence. Feminine lace detail, assorted sleeve lengths, and structured panelling hero the collections.
The campaign will launch 3rd September 2013 in print, online and on outdoor sites across the United Kingdom. Selected shots from the campaign will also be featured in Mark & Spencer’s ten international flagship stores in Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Gurgaon, Dubai, Istanbul, Moscow, Prague, Singapore and Amsterdam. All items featured in the campaign are available for purchase in Marks and Spencer stores and online at www.marksandspencer.com starting September 2013.
CREDIT INFORMATION
Coats – Shot on Boat at Tower Bridge
Katie Piper wears: Autograph Coat £139, Autograph Top £19.50, Autograph Leather Front Trouser £99, Autograph Shoes £55
Nicola Adams wears: M&S Collection Faux Fur Coat £85, M&S Collection Top £19.50, M&S Collection Jeggings £19.50, M&S Collection Boots £55
Tracey Emin wears: M&S Collection Coat £55, M&S Collection Jeans £25, M&S Collection Boots £29.50
Ellie Goulding wears: Limited Edition Coat £89, Limited Edition Top £35, Limited Edition Leggings £25, Limited Edition Boots £35
Helen Allen wears: M&S Collection Coat £85, M&S Collection Scarf £25, M&S Collection Jeans £25, Autograph Wedge Boots £69
Monica Ali wears: per una Jacket £99, Vest £7.50, M&S Collection Jeans £25, Autograph Boots £69
Grace Coddington wears: M&S Collection Coat £99, M&S Collection Cardigan £29.50, M&S Collection Shirt £25, M&S Collection Treggings £35, Autograph Shoes £45
Helen Mirren wears: Autograph Coat £139, Autograph Roll Neck £22.50, Autograph Trousers £35, Autograph Wedge Boots £69, Cream Scarf £19.50, Hat £15
Laura Mvula wears: Limited Edition Coat £89, Limited Edition Top £17.50, Limited Edition Leggings £25, Grey Hat £25
Karen Elson wears: M&S Collection Coat £85, M&S Collection Roll Neck £15, Autograph Leather Front Trouser £99, M&S Collection Boots £35
per una – Shot on location at Ashridge Estate
Jasmine Whitbread wears: per una Dress £45, M&S Collection Shoes £25
Helen Mirren wears: per una Speziale Coat £149, per una Dress £45, Autograph Shoes £49.50
Darcy Bussell wears: per una Speziale Coat £149, per una Top £29.50, per una Trousers £39.50, Autograph Wedge Boots £69
Helen Allen wears: per una Coat £99, per una Top £29.50, per una Trousers £35, M&S Collection Boots £35
Karen Elson wears: M&S Collection Coat £89, per una Speziale Dress £79, Limited Edition Boots £45
Tracey Emin wears: per una Speziale Leather Jacket £269, per una Speziale Top £59, per una Speziale Trousers £45
Monica Ali wears: per una Speziale Dress £85, Limited Edition Boots £35
Katie Piper wears: per una Dress £65, M&S Collection Necklace £17.50, M&S Collection Shoes £25
CREATIVE TEAM INFORMATION:
Photographer: Annie Leibovitz
Stylist: Hannah Teare
Hair: Julien d’Ys
Make Up: Val Garland
Creative Agency: RKCR Y&R
For more information please contact:
Rekha Damhar: 0208 718 3686
[email protected]
Amanda Glover: 0208 718 1919
[email protected]