New Faces, New Places

A new season always brings with it new faces, and 2008 is no exception. First up: Anne Hathaway was recently confirmed as the new face of Lâncome cosmetics, while Penélope Cruz’s contract was renewed for a second season, pinning her again as the face of Mango (the actress will also continue to produce the MNG diffusion line with her sister, Mónica).

And on everybody’s radar were the first images from Giorgio Armani’s highly anticipated ad campaign starring David Beckham. According to FashionWireDaily.com, while the official launch of the “Emporio Armani Underwear” campaign is slated for this month, a sneak peek in December revealed that fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, known for their erotic imagery, did not disappoint. Among the photos was a black and white image featuring a chisel-jawed Beckham wearing tight, bulging white briefs whose waistband bears the Emporio Armani logo. In a company press release, Armani himself stated, “David is truly a modern day icon in that… [h]e represents a notion of modern masculinity: … a sports hero, husband, and father.” The campaign will debut in the February issue of the US edition of Vanity Fair, Armani’s favourite magazine, before being rolled out globally in other trade publications and on billboards in major cities around the world. The “Emporio Armani Underwear” Spring 2008 collection features bright colours, such as lime, turquoise, and watermelon, plus special fabrics, such as bamboo and micro piquet. Prices start at approximately $27 (USD).

In designer news, WWD.com reported that former Dior menswear designer Hedi Slimane is rumoured to be in talks with LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault about launching his own label. Slimane departed from Dior in early 2007 and was replaced in March by the relatively unknown Kris Van Assche. Slimane is credited with bringing skinny tailoring and rock ’n’ roll style to the forefront of men’s fashion.