Anja Rubik - A model sensation.

Hair...such an important commodity for most women, it defines who they are. Anja Rubik is one of my favourite models as she has broken out of that mold - her hair no longer defines who she is. Her cropped hair makes such a difference to whom she is as a model, it's as if restrictions have been lifted. She is able to be edgy, quirky and even almost safely conventional in the Chanel ads. Below, is her stunning look that for me, has made her a much more complete model, in a different way to Agyness Deyn.

So here they are...the much anticipated (by me!!) Kirsten Dunst Miu Miu ads.

A few weeks ago I posted about my eager sense of anticipation, in light of the announcement that Kirsten Dunst would be the new face of Miu Miu. So was my anticipation justified or have I been left in a state of longing disappointment? The truth is I feel a sense of emotional ambivolence. At first look, they are too similar to Lyndsey Lohan's offering for the brand; lush and rich in colour, with a mid-night blue darkness. But they are "growers" - on closer inspection there is an air of cuteness, a fairy tale lightness, juxtaposed with a feel of naughtiness, all against the beautiful palette of Kirsten's porcelain skin. The other thing I tend to forget when celebrities front a brand, is that it is about the clothes/product, are they showcased well? In this case, I'd have to say yes. I adore the sunglasses above and feel my eye drawn slowly towards the oversized grey bag, via Miss. Dunst. So overall I would have to conclude that this campaign is a success but it wasn't the new, more quirky direction I was expecting from Miu Miu, in light of their alternative choice of model.

Topshop channels its inner Winehouse.

Topshop has released some new photos on its homepage for the new season. They are definitely channeling the Amy Winehouse vibe, as seen on the Chanel catwalk. What do you think? Is the look a little too "street"? I'm going to reserve opinion until I see more.

Gucci cruise ad campaign...it makes me want to run away to the sun.

Gucci's cruise campaign for 2008 evokes many feelings of nostalgia. It has a definitive 70's vibe to its photography, a real sense of "hommage" to Sophia Lauren with California gold added into the mix. It makes me want to run to the sun, which I feel compelled to do tomorrow! I'm off to España to ring in the New Year with a little touch of heat and a lack of rain. I shall resume posting in January and my resolution more postage! ¡Feliz Año Nuevo a Todos!

American Apparel - Making a stand on U.S. Immigration.

American Apparel's ethics have never been in question; their sweatshop free production is truly admirable. The have now moved a step further and taken a stand in the political domain. They are campaigning a against the current U.S. immigration process, not usually a mandate of a multi-national clothing firm. Take time to read their admirable ad below. (Click to enlarge)

A truly standout model - Freja Beha Erichsen.

The is a small post of appreciation for Freja Beha Erichsen. Whenever I watch the CK in2u ads (hate the abreviated name!), I am shocked by how much her true beauty and charisma stand out, despite the seeming lack of styling and make-up. She has featured on a plethora of catwalks and in many ad campaigns. If variety and diversity is the key to longevity in the model world, expect to see a lot more of Freja in 2008.

I know the world has posted about this...but its image is imprinted on my brain.

MIA is a very charismatic performer and it is very rare that someone's true persona is so accurately capture on film. Her effortless style and previously untapped androgyny enchant me. So despite the fact the blogging world has over-posted on her ad campaign for Marc Jacobs, I felt compelled to add my own appraisal of this wonderous choice of model.

ID Magazine appreciation post - Enticing Covers.

Much fuss was made over the recent Cate Blanchett cover of ID magazine but ID has been producing bold, innovative and striking covers for over 20 years. I know a magazine is far more than its cover but ID has consistently produced iconic covers that definitely influence the purchaser's choice. Here are a few of my personal favourites. They aren't all necessarily the brightest or the boldest, just the ones that impacted on me the most. It's strange that among the varied collection here, even Kate Moss' more subtle covers, really stand out.

Missoni - An awe inspiring ad campaign.

I know that we are now well into the winter season but these ads by Missoni still slightly take my breath away each time I see them. The idea behind the campaign is so simple, yet effective. I adore the purple hue, exaggerated angles and beautiful use of shadow. Missoni becomes so much more than a bold print.

Tatty Devine gets bloody.

Tatty Devine is getting bloody...ready for Halloween. Have your name-necklace personalised, in dripping blood style, ready for October 31st. What I love about Tatty Devine is how they quirkily publicise their products. I adore this comic style storyboard and despite not being a huge fan of the necklaces (slime green not really being my colour), I am drawn to the product. Also take a look at the new Dark Stages collection here.

Vivienne Westwood - Historically Organic.

This little one speaks for itself. Vivienne Westwood's designs blow me away. Coggles are stocking what I can only consider my dream dress, below (if it weren't for the price tag of £2,555!). But it is Miss. Westwood's new add campaign that has caught my attention. She has channeled her inner cave woman and made a very organic, back to basics set of print adds, with a personal appearance to boot. I adore the unusual use of bones as accessories and the "minimal" dirt make-up. Fashion must be fun and Vivienne Westwood's tongue-in-cheek viewpoint is so refreshing. Feast your eyes on what Vivienne has to offer here and start some serious penny pinching now!

Bertie's Fall Campaign - I'm rushing out to buy some wool tights tomorrow!

Bertie's new wintery ad campaign, coupled with the erratic British weather, have set my mind to "cold" dressing. My tights are only ever of the opaque variety but I haven't donned a pair for quite a few months now - the grey wool on show in Bertie's new ads have rekindled my love of the tight, so a pair shall be purchased soon. Bertie have also shown me the way forward in footwear. My feet have been free all summer, contained only by the narrowest pieces of flip-flop leather, so the prospect of imprisoning them again can be slightly daunting. Bertie have offered several glimmers of hope, in the form of their ankle boots. See all on offer at the Shoe Studio.

Nike Vintage Running - Spoof Genius!

The 118 118 ads in the U.K. have a lot to answer for! They have spawned a love of all cheesy 70's advertising that Nike have tapped into, producing this superb result! Their re-issue of many 70's classics is championed in this retro ad campaign. The website takes the form of brochure, The Oregon Runner, featuring advice, ads and articles that all harp back to 1977! The spoofing continues with a moustache maker and a caption game! Look at the trainers...don't they seem so much more appealing? The Nike marketing moguls strike gold again!

Michael Stipe for Marc Jacobs...so refreshing!

Sorry for the delay...a reliable WiFi connection has been hard to find while travelling around the south of Spain (especially in the beautifully traditional white villages). Here's one thing that has definitely caught my eye; this startling ad campaign by Marc Jacobs. I love it. It jumped off the page of the magazine! Michael Stipe looks so innocent and fashionably unaware, genius! I shall continue to do my best to post but at the same time, it is nice to be cut-off and unobtainable for a change.

Temperley London - The true beauty of the Fall collection begins to reveal itself.

I truly underestimated the intricate detail behind Alice Temperley's most recent collection. Unless you see the collections in person at the catwalk show, it is difficult to appreciate the beauty of the clothes. So, I love this time of year when the Fall ad campaigns start to appear and celebrities start wearing the looks; it's as if the true beauty of the collections is revealed. Above are the shots from Temperley's website, adding a sense of true dramatism to each look, epitomising the name of the collection, "Beauty in Exile". The shots below illustrate my point perfectly. The Long Treasure Godess Dress oozes sophistication on the catwalk, yet during Nicole Richie's Marie Claire shoot, a hidden dimension is revealed. The back detail is breathtaking, something I was oblivious to upon viewing the catwalk stills. So lets see what other surprises the designer collections have hidden up their sleeves!