Demi Moore proves that she is stunning with or without the help of photoshop.  Controversy about extensive retouching surrounded her W magazine cover last year.  Now un-retouched photos of the actress has surfaced and triggered further talk of photoshopping.  Her perfume ad is in question this time.  There appears to be an uproar over retouching lately.  Some might say it’s a little hypocritical because people tend to scrutinize the models in ads quite severely, and complain if they appear, um, human.  Flaws like wrinkles, moles, and freckles are often criticized.  On the other hand, brands tend to strive for perfection in their ad campaigns.  That quest for perfection leads young women to hold themselves to impossible beauty standards that can be detrimental.  It doesn’t matter which side of the debate you fall, most women would purchase perfume from Demi in the un-retouched photo just as they would in the photoshopped ad.  Watch the behind the scenes shoot for the ad.

Demi Moore Before and After Photoshop [The Cut]

Marc Jacobs is very pleased with the selection of model Lara Stone for the new Louis Vuitton ad campaign.  The designer gives us a behind the scenes look at the photo shoot where Steven Meisel shot the Spring/Summer 2010 ad with the model.  Lara replaced Madonna, and all indications are she was the perfect choice.  She epitomizes the curvey and glamourous sought-after look of the new decade.  Arguably she ushered in the look, and we were all entranced.  The theme of the ad is natural and tranquil and it works well against the glamour and luxury of  the model and her Vuitton.  The goal of these campaigns is to entice women to aspire to be like the model and shop Louis Vuitton.  I would say that mission was accomplished.

Seventeen year old Karlie Kloss is on top of the modeling world.  She currently has a Dior and Hermes campaign, and as of the Christmas break, she now has her driver’s license.  Who says Santa does not exist?  If that were not enough, Karlie is also on the February cover of  Italian Vogue.  It’s safe to say that she is living a model’s dream.  Her Dior campaign is sultry with a hint of old hollywood, and the Hermes ad is soft and sweet.  The ads are total opposites of the other, but each showcases the model’s range.  Both ads explain why she is a model in demand, and why she has made our Rollcall list this week. 

Modelinia Exclusive: Karlie Kloss’ New Wheels! [Modelinia]

Karlie Kloss ‘Falls’ on the Cover of February’s Italian Vogue [The Cut]

Emma Watson is starring in Burberry’s spring 2010 ad campaign and she is joined by her brother Alex.  Emma is all grown up, and is a long way from Harry Potter.  Burberry’s creative director Christopher Bailey was going for a ‘cool’ vibe in this campaign, and I would say, ‘mission accomplished’! 

Ms. Watson is a combination of brains and beauty, the 19 year old attends Brown University when she is away from her day jobs.  Famed fashion photographer Mario Testino was called upon to bring Bailey’s vision to fruition.  Burberry continues to be relevant in the 21st century because of it’s willingness to adapt with the changing the times.  The actress is an astute choice in keeping on that path to the future; she is fast becoming a young style icon in her own right.

Versace is hoping you will flip for their new ad campaign starring model Georgia May Jagger.  She is the new face of Versace, and the young daughter of Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger may be just what the label ordered.  The Spring 2010 ad displays an upside-down Georgia with her bag draped over her in what appears to be an unmade bed.  Her hair and make up are flawless, in total, she is very polished.  Even so, there is definitely a youthful and edgy vibe to this campaign.  It’s not even overtly sexy.  Perhaps Donatella Versace is targeting a younger demographic.

Louis Vuitton enlisted model Lara Stone for its Spring/Summer 2010 ad campaign, she replaces Madonna from the previous campaign.  The luxury brand selected the model of the moment mainly because of her broad appeal.   They likely selected Madonna for their Spring/Summer 2009 ad campaign because of the singer/actress’ iconic pop-culture status.  Of course image is everything, and there is no denying that both Lara Stone and Madonna look the part.  They symbolize luxury, and if you want to have that same effect, you will have to step it up a notch, says an MIT study.  Researchers concluded that your designer handbag would likely pass the visual authentication test if your personal appearance says that you have money.  Wearing luxury apparel and/or being in attendance at certain social functions would lead others to believe your bag was authentic.  So the next time you venture out the house with your bag, will you take a second and third look at your attire because people are judging?  Or will you dare to make your own rules, and break them at your whim?  I don’t know about you, but the latter sounds far more intriguing.  Besides, isn’t that why Louis Vuitton selected Madonna and now Lara Stone as the face of Louis Vuitton in the first place.  Fearlessness is sexy and it sells.

Fake Louis Vuitton Bags Look Fake Without a Tony Aura [Bloomberg]

The Gap will flip upside down for you, literally.  The retail giant has a new advertising campaign to introduce its new loyalty program, Sprize.  It promises “if something you buy goes on sale, you get the difference back, automatically.”  That’s not even why we considered this newsworthy, the commercial itself is noteworthy because of its ingenuity.  The marketing team has decided to turn a Gap store upside down.  Everything was fair game, from the mannequins, the merchandise to the advertising and GAP logo.  Even the customers attempted to defy gravity.  It’s sure to grabbed your attention and make you smile.

Kenneth Cole has done it again with his fall campaign video.  He is infamous for his controversial ads, but this time it is just thoughtful and clever.  Take a look at the video and have a smile.  Please pay attention because a bit of reading is involved, but that’s where the fun comes in.  My favorite lines are :

- ”The times are changing, ([a]nd so are we).”

- “Throw caution to the wind.”

- “Don’t let your baggage hold you back.”

- “Expose yourself to something new.”

- “Find your sole mate.”

When you think about it, those are words we can all live by.  Besides who isn’t looking for their sole/soul mate?  By the way, I’m loving the accessories and the woman’s black coat featured in the video.  My interest has been piqued and I look forward to viewing the collection.