Breaking news, people! Today Debenhams launch their latest campaign featuring older models, from left to right: Caroline Josling, 52, Valerie Pain, 66, and Maxine Smith, 41. In collaboration with fashion commentator, Caryn Franklin, the high street retailer plans to 'give ongoing solutions, advice and guidance on how 40+ women can achieve any desired look.' The project called The Style List will be delivered in stores, online and through photography.
Franklin says, 'It’s been really fulfilling to create shots that celebrate the wonder of getting older. It’s important to challenge what we see in our media with a broader reflection of beauty. Enjoy the magic of these women, their confidence, their attitudes and their allure. These wonderful faces express the joy of getting older - not something we see enough of.'
All commendable stuff but the accompanying press release claiming that DEBENHAMS TARGETS ‘FORGOTTEN WOMEN’ WITH GROUND BREAKING CAMPAIGN (dare I mention Levi's, Gap, Twiggy for Marks & Spencer and Dove?) is poorly conceived and tactless. Debenhams are right to take action, I just wish they'd asked Caryn Franklin to write the press release.
Read more about the project here
I think it's great they're doing. You're right Caryn should have written the press release! xx
ReplyDeleteIt is a fantastic campaign, weren't they the first to include disabled models, too? Big up to Debenhams but you're right, the press release is awful. xxx
ReplyDeleteYeah ... Its about time that women shopping are actually sees their peers in the fashion pages.
ReplyDeleteI was looking at the cover of Canadian Flare at the Drug store yesterday ..the model looks great but she alos like she is not even 16 yet???
These women look real and inspiring.. Great post!! HHL
That press release - oh dear. Great photo shoot though! Not a dowdy outfit amongst them.
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic and none of the over 50 face full of silicone American models like Carmen ooh what's her name.
ReplyDeleteExcellent pics and gorgeous clothes. Its great to see Valerie looking so chic after some of the monstrous outfits she has been made to wear in the Guardian's "All Ages" spreads. I was in Debenhams yesterday for the first time in ages and loved that the main window display prominently featured a gorgeous model who was in her wheelchair.
ReplyDeleteSadly though the clothes inside did not live up to my expectations I thought the Betty Jackson Black stuff which I often buy looked very tired and unoriginal. Maybe they are awaiting new season stock.
These women look fantastic. Great inspiration. Bad choice of words from Debenhams though.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see real women looking real.
ReplyDeleteHow many more campaigns of antirinkle creams with 16 years old models????.
Thank you for sharing all these info, and thank you for your comment on my blog.
I am a bit nervous about the operation, epidural and all; but like many things in life have to be face on a positive way.
Te abrazo
Great to see more realistic women in their campaigns. Agree though re : the press release. Good on you Debenhams. x
ReplyDeleteAdmittedly, the press release could have done with a bit of a once-over, but I looooooove the clothes featured. I got quite excited about this. What is happening to me?.... I should have been this interested in fashion 20 years ago!
ReplyDeleteAli x
Forgot to say.... sadly not going up to London this visit otherwise would have been so good to have met up ....x
ReplyDeletep.s. did you know that FF is coming to London in November - maybe you can do a joint post - FF at large with TNMA in London??!
Ta very much for your comments - I do think the ads are lovely and yes, Tabitha, it's inspiring to see natural models sans the silicone. Ali's right, the press release could have done with a once over.
ReplyDeleteSE - shame that you're not going to be in town, maybe next time? And ooh FF, that's exciting, I'll see if she'd like to meet up
I'm forty-one, but I guess I forgot. Excellent campaign but the press release author should be demoted to copy-maker.
ReplyDeleteThis is really becoming a trend which is fantastic. There was a great article in Metro newspaper this Wednesday about "glamorous grannies" modeling at Madrid Fashion week http://pictures.metro.co.uk/duyoscibelesmadridfashionweek220910.
ReplyDeletechicat50plus
this is a great post. and a great blog. so glad we found you! your blog is a one of a kind.
ReplyDeletePS. There's a blog tag over at mine for you. Have a great weekend xx
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