1. Dakota Fanning is the Face of Marc Jacobs’ ‘Oh Lola’ Fragrance
2. Taylor Momsen for John Galliano’s Fragrance Ad Campaign
3. Dior’s Cherie Fragrance Ad Featuring Natalie Portman
4. Rachel Weisz for Jasmin Noir by Bulgari Ad Campaign
5. Vera Wang’s ‘Lovestruck’ Fragrance Campaign Stars Leighton Meester

Images via NYMag

John Galliano took on volume and a slightly fuller silhouette for Spring 2012. The skirts were reminiscent of the 1950′s. This collection showcased plaids and sheers, knee-length hemlines and translucent pieces. A color palette of black and white with pops of baby blue and pale pink were on display. This was the first year without the namesake designer at the helm, yet I could still see his influence.

Kate Moss covers Vogue magazine’s September issue for 2011  in Alexander McQueen.  Her dress could have stepped right off the screen of a period piece; it was feminine and romantic, in a wine hue.  It boasted an off-the-shoulder neckline, sheer sleeves with cut-outs and tons of texture.  Inside are photographs of her wedding to rocker Jamie Hince.  She donned a John Galliano gown on her special day, see more images when the i. 

John Galliano was one of the most anticipated shows this season, even in his absence.  The planned theatrical event was downgraded to a presentation within days of its debut.  Though the turmoil from Galliano’s recent career demise remained in the air, the collection was well-received.  His genius is undeniable.  The pieces were as dramatic as the shows once orchestrated in seasons past by the designer.  Some gowns were adorned with feathers while others were in sheer sophisticated prints; even the lace were unapologetically sheer.  Outerwear was also featured heavily in this collection, some in tweed and others with beautiful fur collars.  In sum, this was among the label’s best work, opulence and luxury in a nutshell.

Taylor Momsen fronts the ad campaign for John Galliano’s fragrance, Parlez moi d’amour.  Shehas an edgy look that works well with this avant garde brand.  The ad is sultry without being too overt.  There is a softness to Taylor that makes her  approachable and extremely relatable.  Her dress is feminine with mini ruffles, and her face is pretty and neutral, but they are contrasted with thigh-high stockings and heavy eye makeup.  There is a duality in the ad, and it accurately captures the complexity of women and their personal style.

John Galliano’s Spring 2011 runway was drama personified.  It’s as if we were given snippets of portraits or scenes of women from different eras.  There were several Victorian scenes, but without the modesty or purity of that era.  Some scenes were Asian-inspired down to the kimono styled robes.  While others were more Old Hollywood glam.  A Geisha or two were also spotted in this mini-play; the models played the characters and Galliano himself, the director.  The fabrics were sheer with lace and chiffon throughout.  All of that drama could not distract from the gorgeous corseted black dress with the textured fabric that falls into a full skirt.  The gowns were stunning and a few were shrouded in sparkling embellishment.  Head gear was the key to each look, and it set the tone for each scene.  Transparent fabric over the hair and face made the woman mysterious and out of reach.  Though each look may have been individual, the sum total of the show was unified by its multiculturalism and internationalism.

John Galliano has named, Gossip Girl’s, Taylor Momsen as the face of his perfume.  Just last week we learned she was the face of Madonna’s new clothing line, and now she’s fronting a high-end brand.  This has to be the best summer ever for the 16 year old.  Galliano must have been drawn to her edgy punk rock style which is characteristic of her lead status in a rock band.  Momsen recently revealed that she fired her stylist because she wanted to reflect her own sense of style.  I would not advocate such a move under normal circumstances, but it is apparently working out extremely well for the young actress.  Galliano’s new scent debuts in the fall, and so will the ad campaign featuring the Gossip Girl star.

The simplest way to sum up Christian Dior’s Fall 2010 Haute Couture show is to deem it a lesson in perfection, but that barely covers the colors, shapes and magnificence of the collection.  It was a bouquet of splendor on display for all to admire.  Many connected instantly with the collection because it was daring and bold, yet at the height of femininity.  We also marvelled at John Galliano’s ability to bring the Botanical Garden to the runway.  There is genuine excitement about this show because it was like attending an art exhibition of one of our favorite artists.  Dior’s Fall 2010 collection lived up to our preconceived notions of haute couture, and in true showman fashion, Galliano has left us wanting more. 

Daphne Guinness is the proud owner of the late Isabella Blow’s collection.  The legendary fashion stylist had a wardrobe consisting of 50 Philip Treacy hats, a few John Galliano dresses and several pieces by her dear friend Alexander McQueen.  In total, Daphne Guinness has acquired a 90 piece collection that is worthy of display in a museum.  She intercepted a planned Christie’s auction scheduled for September to sell off  Blow’s wardrobe and photographs.  Photographs by Steven Meisel, Mario Testino and Karl Lagerfeld are also among her new acquisitions.  “It’s Issy – it’s her D.N.A., it should not be scattered to the four winds.  Like any artist, it should not be dispersed, but remain as a monument with people having access to it,” says Guinness.

Isabella Blow Collection is Sold [Elle UK]

French actress Marion Cotillard is once again the face of Lady Dior.  The new “Lady Blue” campaign marks Cotillard’s third stint with the label.  Steven Klein shot the ad in Shanghai, and the view is picture perfect.  John Galliano chose the right woman for Lady Dior because she’s beautiful, yet there is a complexity about her that is very enchanting.  Cotillard was also featured in a 12-minute film shot by David Lynch for the house that will debut on May 15th.  Not so coincidentally, Galliano will also unveil Dior’s cruise collection in Shanghai on that same day. It appears having an actress as your model really does pay off, she gives great face and good acting.  Annie Leibovitz shot the second ad, the “Lady Rouge” campaign with the actress, and you can watch the behind the scenes footage of that shoot in the video below.  Both the bags and shoes could leave you with the age old dilemma of rent or shoes.

Marion Cotillard’s Shanghai High  [WWD]