This week’s fashion news is all about new surprise brands opening in Australia for the first time – and an inappropriate new ad campaign… Read on for all your news and gossip.
They’re one of the Duchess of Cambridge’s most beloved labels.
If you’ve seen her in a coat, dress or shoes you love, chances are they’re from UK uber-label Reiss. And now the label has announced they’re planning an Aussie move.
The founder, David Reiss, revealed that up to 50% of Reiss’s online sales come from our shores – evidently Australian ladies are very into the English rose, demure look – and that they’re currently looking for places to set up shop.
Reiss’s look is one of classic elegance. Think CUE but flirtier. Reiss and LK Bennett have experienced huge spikes in sales since Kate Middleton entered the public eye wearing their designs.
Most famously, she wore a Reiss dress in her engagement photograph – and it sold out within minutes.
She also wore a cream number to meet the Obamas, which caused a similar frenzy. Plus she favours their military coats, wearing one particular olive version over and over again – to the delight of British tabloids, who praise her austerity (plus it’s a very cute coat).
So will you be getting the regal touch when Reiss comes down under?
Image: Kate Middleton in Reiss in her engagement portrait.
Rescu. brought you the exclusive news that the Pirelli Calendar was in for a change of pace for 2013.
And now the images have been released, to universal praise.
The big change? Rather than a ‘fashion’ name, the Pirelli company opted for a photographer of massive international standing, photojournalist Steve McCurry – who’s more famous for wartorn portraiture than naked models.
However, he adapted himself to the challenge.
The calendar, shot in Brazil, featured models who have had deep involvement with humanitarian and environmental causes, including Karlie Kloss, who produced a charity line of food for the Hurricane Sandy victims, pregnant Adriana Lima and 62-year-old veteran Sonia Braga.
The results are stunning – less about bodies than the arresting faces of the women involved.
McCurry chose Brazil “to highlight its social and economic transformation”, and the glorious shoot was apparently flooded with rain, something he said he learnt to regard as a blessing rather than a hindrance.
The palette? Greens and rich, deep colours, against iconic locations in the South American country.
His real favourite as a model wasn’t a young gun but Braga, who has been acting since the 1960s in Brazilian films. She’s one of the most famous South American beauties, and McCurry recalled that she was “full of life”.
The results are arresting – and will likely be under huge demand. However, the calendar is subscriber-only, so we’ll have to make do with the images on the internet.
Image: McCurry’s calendar.
Starring in Guess ads made her name as a bombshell. Now Anna Nicole Smith’s 6-year-old daughter is starring in an advertising campaign for Guess Kids to continue the legacy.
The controversial casting of Dannielynn, who is in the custody of her father following Smith’s death, has met with criticism. However, her father and Guess insist that it’s just a “homage” to Smith’s own iconic Guess campaign.
“She is a second generation Guess girl, which makes this campaign a first for us,” said Guess’s Creative Director Paul Marciano. “Dannielynn had the same playful spirit her mother had on a set.”
Dannielynn was cast alongside the daughter of rapper Babyface for Guess’s children’s denim campaign.
Other famous faces for the brand have included Claudia Schiffer, whose campaign made her an international Bardot-esque superstar and was one of the most popular images of the 1980s. She modelled again for Guess last year, and appeared not to have aged a day.
As for Dannielynn herself? She enjoyed the whole experience. “She asked me if she was going to be on the shopping bags like her mum,” her father revealed.
What do you think: too young, or a good homage to her mum?
Image: Dannielynn in the Guess ads.
Reiss’s launch is very exciting for the girls – but there’s something equally cool in the offing for the boys.
International shirt emporium Thomas Pink is launching its first flagship store in Melbourne.
Pink is the go-to destination for well-made designer shirts and accessories for European and British men, and they’ve also made a huge splash on Madison Avenue in New York.
The store’s history is an interesting one, reaching back to the 18th century – and their legacy of perfect tailoring continues into the modern day.
It’s also beloved of well-dressed celebrities. Everybody from Joaquin Phoenix (on the cover of Details) to Jay-Z to the Black Eyed Peas has been seen in their wares. And you know a designer has it made when the Downton Abbey men all wear your impeccably fitted shirts – for a shoot in GQ, no less.
It’s not all for the men – their tailored shirtwear also has an extensive female section, and the patterns and luxe materials are perfect for the career woman on the go. Kate Hudson and Oprah are big fans.
The store opens on December 15, and the campaign – all romance and European elegance – is very Thomas Pink.
Will you be exploring a Thomas Pink Christmas in Melbourne?
Image: Thomas Pink.
