Much has been said about the smashing success of Moda Operandi, the pre-order online retailer peddling designer collections straight from the runway. I’m a fan of their savvy business model and of their co-founders: the infallibly chic Creative Director Lauren Santo Domingo and the brilliant CEO Áslaug Magnúsdóttir, whose comprehensive and resourceful ‘Finding Your M.O.’ series on The Business of Fashion imparts wisdom from her firsthand experience launching a fashion startup.

Now add to the company’s accolades a drop dead gorgeous Spring ad campaign starring über-model Karlie Kloss.

The visual pastiche and oversize flowers intimate several of Stella McCartney’s forward fashion campaigns. And the collage effect brings designer Louise Amstrup to mind…

…but Moda Operandi manages to give the campaign a look all its own: a blend of rich luxury and avant garde beauty, reflecting the e-tailer’s own M.O.

Áslaug Magnúsdóttir Moda Operandi Lauren Santo Domingo Karlie Kloss models advertising campaigns Spring 2013 The Business of Fashion

•  30 April 2013  •  2 notes

There’s a reason Hermès maintains its status as a storied fashion house and a wildly profitable business at the same time: because they get luxury. And this Spring sporting campaign simply puts another notch in their sumptuous leather belt. Featuring Norwegian model Iselin Steiro, shot by Nathaniel Goldberg, it captures the refined quality, consistency and culture of Hermès against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Como. This is the life, people: bocce, bikes, fine leather goods and resplendent scarves billowing in the Italian wind. Just bring me my Campari and we’re done here.

Hermes Iselin Steiro models advertising campaigns fashion Lake Como Italy Spring 2013

•  12 February 2013  •  7 notes

The Céline Spring 2013 advertising campaign was revealed recently, much to the delight of the blogosphere. Everyone, from Amanda Brooks to Garance Doré, gave a shout out to the beautiful images. And I must jump on board.

While I’m a big fan of Phoebe Philo’s luxe minimalist work for Céline, I’ve been nonplussed by the ads from the fashion house thus far. They’ve struck me as a little flat and detached, and quite frankly, after decades of Marc Jacobs, I’m a little over photographer Juergen Teller’s schtick. Until now.

Starring Daria Werbowy again this season, these pictures channel more power and femininity at the same time. Her hair is softly curled and she wears just a touch of makeup, while her clothes mix menswear basics with the sensual likes of spaghetti straps and knotted headbands. It is everything Céline aspires to: chic, luxurious, empowered, unfussy.

On a personal note, I also enjoy that the images conjure LA, with palm trees, light wood, modern stone fireplaces and assorted west coast architecture in the background. The look is natural yet rich, much like the brand (and town) itself.

Celine Daria Werbowy advertising campaigns Los Angeles Phoebe Philo models fashion Juergen Teller spring 2013

•  10 February 2013  •  2 notes

Talk about a breath of fresh air! Loving the new Dior campaign, the first ready-to-wear look under Raf Simons. The art direction is elegant, clean and modern. The focus is on no model in particular. Using sunny skies, lighting fixtures, blooming bouquets and curtains billowing gently in the breeze, the message (and metaphors) are clear: this is a fresh new era for Dior.

Dior Raf Simons advertising campaigns fashion models

•  13 January 2013  •  1 note

Ever since I laid eyes on Brook&Lyn’s bewitching “Deflected” collection, I was taken by the brand’s unexpected and original approach to jewelry design. Combining natural materials with bold shapes, their work gracefully walks the line between delicate and strong, such that one can see her own femininity reflected in its construct.

Their latest “Medaled” collection, for instance, places a large circular plated brass pendant on black or natural cord. Available in a few iterations – gold yellow or rhodium plated, featuring a trio of pendants or as a bracelet – the design is marked by its dramatic simplicity, consistent with their portfolio.  Basic shapes, suspended at precise length from the neck or each other, demonstrate Brook&Lyn’s mastery of both restraint and proportion.  Less is indeed more…except when it comes to the number of their pieces we own! Read more about Brook&Lyn – including their recent move to LA – here on Lo’s List.

Los Angeles fashion advertising campaigns jewelry Brook and Lyn Jujumade Stop It Right Now Lo's List

•  14 December 2012

To know me – to have had a drink with me – is to understand my love for Campari. I enjoy its bittersweet taste and that it can be mixed any number of ways (Campari and grapefruit at breakfast, don’t mind if I do). It’s merely added bonus that they happen to have one of the best ad games within the spirits industry, going on 150 years strong.

Beyond their groundbreaking illustrations and artwork, the Campari calendar has become a key part of the company’s creative marketing over the past several years. The limited edition Red Passion calendar typically features an exotic, devastatingly good looking lead (Benecio del Toro, Eva Mendes, Olga Kurylenko), and this year is no exception, with beautiful Oscar winning actress Penelope Cruz navigating mystical superstitions, including black cats, broken mirrors and salt shakers.

The images are hardly as cutting-edge as some of their art deco pieces from the twentieth century, but their cast of characters keeps the Campari narrative consistent and strong. Salute!

Campari Penelope Cruz Red Passion advertising campaigns models wine and spirits black white red

•  30 November 2012

I wouldn’t call myself a Tiffany’s girl, preferring more dramatic or subversive jewelry from the likes of Pamela Love, Delfina Delettrez, Lydia Courteille and Repossi. However, I admire the Tiffany & Co. legacy, and their Holiday 2012 campaign is among their best ever. It’s rich, elegant, graceful, and the color scheme is superb. Dusty pinks, lilac and – of course, Tiffany’s blue – are a romantic departure from most campaign hues these days. Photographer Michael Thompson captures models Doutzen Kroes, Grace Gao and Karen Elson looking their (holiday) best.

Doutzen Kroes Grace Gao Karen Elson Michael Thompson Tiffany and Co. Tiffany's advertising campaigns fashion holidays jewelry models

•  9 November 2012  •  3 notes

Siiiiick lookbook by Billie Sunday, a new brand of bags from Barcelona designers Mar Villegas and Emma Pardos. The campaign for the company’s first collection, Sand Paradise, is inspired by Palm Springs in the early 1960s and unfolds over five days in a curious, creepy yet cool noir-style format. Below are a few of my favorite images.

Doesn’t hurt that the bags are to die for, too. Dear secret admirer, you know where to send ‘em!

(Source: the always-inspiring, wonderful world of Miss Moss)

Barcelona Billie Sunday Emma Pardos Mar Villegas fashion advertising campaigns

•  20 September 2012  •  6 notes

Thank you Bulgari for acknowledging that women of a certain age are not only captivating and beautiful, but a logical choice for advertising luxury goods to modern women with means. Why would you use a 16 year old to showcase a $2000 handbag when she couldn’t afford or appreciate its workmanship at that age? The wise, graceful Isabella Rossellini is a far better choice!

The ad isn’t a ground-breaking shot – in fact, it reminds me of this glorious editorial from the mid ’80s. But Bulgari has ditched the (tired) baby lion schtick and moved on to something far more powerful, both visually and philosophically: intelligent beauty.

PS If you haven’t read “Brunch with the FT: Isabella Rossellini” – with her thoughts on feminist biology, film and family – do so now!

Bulgari Isabella Rossellini advertising campaigns fashion models Financial Times

•  30 August 2012  •  3 notes

Bottega Veneta. Their ads have missed the mark in the past, but I am keen on this one. The workmanship is evident in the dress’s beading; the hair and makeup luxurious in their sleek simplicity. Purple hues evoke a regal air – befitting this venerable Italian fashion label – while black silk knee socks and leather opera gloves keep the look directional. It’s a good balance between heritage and modernity. 

I like the tableau style blocking and photography by artist Erwin Olaf, too. My only ish is the child-like male model, up top. Why can’t we use older male models with some presence, like him? This woman has a look of displeasure…and I can only hope it’s for disobedient son here, not her lover!

Bottega Veneta Fall 2012 advertising campaigns fashion models Erwin Olaf

•  29 August 2012  •  1 note

September issues mean fall campaign premieres! And I am feeling these Louis Vuitton ads. As I wrote here several months ago, j’adore the old fashioned romance of fancy train travel (even if the ladies had to sit apart for much of the early twentieth century). LV channels the feminine glamour of that bygone era with their elegant taupes, browns and burnt oranges on a railway for Fall 2012. All aboard!

Fall 2012 Louis Vuitton advertising campaigns fashion models trains

•  27 August 2012

Saw this Solange Azagury-Partridge ad while browsing through my archives. Such an unorthodox beauty and so well done. Also rather timely: the model is none other than Liberty Ross, wife of director Rupert Sanders of the epic Kristen Stewart cheating drama playing out in the media right now. I think I’ll just focus on the jewels.

Kristen Stewart Liberty Ross Rupert Sanders Solange Azagury-Partridge advertising campaigns models fashion

•  28 July 2012  •  1 note

One year later and Argentine accessories label Valeria Smith still has one of the best summer ad campaigns I’ve seen. Cheeky, modern, beautifully shot.

Argentina Valeria Smith advertising campaigns fashion summer beach

•  12 July 2012

Sleep in a sandwich!

(Source: adamkurland)

sandwich advertising campaigns

•  26 April 2012  •  1 note

Seriously can’t get sick of the Natalia Vodianova Stella McCartney campaigns. Since their collaboration began a couple years ago, these hyper-real images are routinely the most interesting – and fun – each season. Buy these sunnies here.

Stella McCartney advertising campaigns fashion models natalia vodianova flowers sunglasses

•  22 February 2012