Marks and Spencer Leading Ladies campaign revealed

Following months of speculation, Marks and Spencer have unveiled the dynamic stars of their spring/summer 2014 campaign: Emma Thompson, Annie Lennox, Rita Ora, Alek Wek, Doreen Lawrence, Lulu Kennedy, Rachel Khoo and Roma Agrawal. The preview reveals a stylish and accomplished collection that promises to appeal to women of all ages.

Entitled Leading Ladies and shot by iconic fashion photographer Annie Leibovitz, the campaign will feature four images of the inspiring celebrities, who range from actresses and chefs to campaigners and engineers. The promotion – showcasing Leibovitz’s trademark high-production tableaux – has been set in various archetypal British settings, including Camber Sands and the Cotswolds, to represent the origins of the company.

The campaign features four clever interpretations of this season’s key trends, where graphic monochromatic palettes and abstract prints are positioned alongside pastels and metallics. Taking inspiration from the likes of Cèline, Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Christopher Kane, the collection presents directional but wearable attire.

The 90s luxe trend emphasises many simple yet bold, clean-cut garments, produced in navy and white. A contrasting Cèline-esque dress, worn by Alek Wek, is adorned with abstract green and black brush strokes. This season promotes a more streamlined approach, differing from the previous campaign which showcased a variety of trends in each image. Marks and Spencer have successfully shown they can market trend-led pieces, as well as minimalist items for women with varying style preferences.

This eclectic group of Leading Ladies are united in achievements yet confident in their differences; chosen for their strong sense of personal style, they undoubtedly make an impressive line-up.  The campaign strives to represent exceptional and diverse women in modern Britain, celebrating various ways of life.

Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, the brand’s executive director of marketing and business development, stated: “Marks and Spencer is a democratic brand, relevant to women of all ages and strands of life; it is therefore natural for M&S to celebrate women in this way. M&S is extremely proud to have convened such an extraordinary group of women; this campaign is the embodiment of true British style, quality, diversity and success.”

Rebekah Absalom

The collection will be available in stores and online from 31^st March. For further information visit here.