celebrities

R.I.P social media influencers, welcome back PR



Metier Sergeant all Day Cabas bag worn by Nicole Kidman in The Undoing

“There is a sense of growing ennui among influencers and brands. Celebrity is key to having those big moments that will live much longer than just an Instagram Story, as is working to place your brand in something that feels part of a cultural zeitgeist or nostalgia for millions. Beloved TV personalities from shows like ‘Dynasty,’ ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Sex and The City’ inspire nostalgia in generations while capturing new ones, so this intergenerational and international reach is incredibly attractive.”
Communications consultant, Alexandra Carello, WWD

This is an interesting feature in WWD describing the apparent fatigue with polished Instagram content and highlighting the shift to ‘cultural pioneers’, professional experts and social activists. It also flags the success of product placement in recent style-setting shows like Emily In Paris, The Undoing (featuring the Métier bag*, above and below) and Gossip Girl. (more…)



Cannes red carpet: garconnes do it better



What is it about the Cannes red carpet that’s so much more refined than other red carpets? Don’t answer that. I think I know the answer already.

American premieres and awards are super-planned and super-commercial, all about diamonds and deals. Somehow Cannes just seems a bit cooler. Here’s the evidence; Jane Birkin and Charlotte Gainsbourg in classic garconne style – Birkin in Celine and Gainsbourg in Saint Laurent. (more…)



Oh look, another celeb beauty launch



Humanrace skincare

I’m so cynical about celeb beauty lines and yet completely seduced by this Pharrell-founded skincare brand, Humanrace. I just love this clean, clinical packaging and I hope the products smell of Granny Smiths.

For the marketing campaign, Pharrell has used extreme close-ups of smooth-skinned, modern day influencers, including the artist Blondey and a robotic cancer surgeon called Dipen Parekh. The blurb is all very worthy which is a bit of a turn-off for me. I guess all that needs to be seen is if non-influencer people talk about it and if it’s actually any good. (You can buy it here – when it’s not sold out – from $32.) (more…)



Quote of the day: Jim Jarmusch on Steve Buscemi



Steve Buscemi for GQ by Fanny Latour Lambert

“We used to joke that he was our generation’s Don Knotts, but he’s more Jimmy Stewart in a way. He portrays humanity.”
Jim Jarmusch on Steve Buscemi, GQ

This is the sweetest GQ profile on my favourite actor, Steve Buscemi, I just want to give him a cuddle. (It’s pronounced ‘boo-sem-ee’, by the way.) (And if you haven’t seen Living In Oblivion, please make it your top priority!) (more…)