With the colour camel being one of this season’s key trends, it’s certainly a step in the right direction. Just look at that gorgeous Chloé Marcie in exotic python.

And if you’re planning to get any pieces from the F/W10 collection (Marcie or the gorgeous coat, anyone?), you be pleased to know that you’ll also receive the Chloé ‘Shopping In The Rain’ Umbrella, a gift specially designed by Hannah MacGibbon. Available only in boutiques in China (Beijing and Shanghai), Hong Kong, Singapore (Chloé is located at Ngee Ann City opposite Marc by Marc Jacobs) and Taiwan, consider it a very timely gesture given the state of our mad, erratic weather lately.

Shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot (with models Daphne Groeneveld, Ginta Lapina, Siri Tollerod and Lindsey Wixson), the Fall-Winter 2010 Womens Miu Miu ad campaign is a washed-out 80s acid trip of sorts, one replete with heavy eyeshadow and pulled-back hair.

And while there’s nothing wrong with the apparel (I get the whole schoolgirl-Lolita vibe), the bags are in a class of their own. The first 3 ain’t bad at all, especially the classic Bow Satchel in green.

The last one however (priced at SGD2140 by the way), with the huge chunky front-lock clasp similar to the one Ms Lott was photographed carrying in London, somehow failed the semester in my opinion.

Here’s another variation of the same bag but with embellished metal blooms that retails for SGD2690. It’s not exactly hideous (and on a good day I’ll even say it is cute), but I can’t quite put my finger on it. So tell me guys, what do you think?

Images: Miu Miu

The very first ad campaign ever for Proenza Schouler has made its debut online, a natural progression of sorts for a brand that’s going from strength to strength. Starring models Tati Cotliar and twin newcomers Ann and Kirby Kenny in looks from the 90s-inspired girly and grunge F/W10 collection, the campaign is shot by Daniel Jackson.

More interestingly is this: the lone F/W10 bag in the ad campaign, a quilted leather shoulder sling bag that’s, you guessed it, all girly and grunge.

Images: Proenza Schouler

It comes as no surprise that Chinese actress Shu Qi has ascended the clouds to ad campaign heaven for Emporio Armani, given her spectacularly good looks and long sexy gams. Officially the face of EA in Greater China, Singapore and Malaysia for the Fall-Winter 2010 Womens Emporio Armani ad campaign, the woman can make anything look good.

She also joins the ranks of the likes of Megan Fox (and Cristiano Ronaldo), all faces (or bodies) of EA. Sex sells? Indeed.

Images: Emporio Armani

Felines both big and small have been making frequent appearances in recent high fashion ad campaigns. Take for example Bulgari’s F/W10 ads which feature Julianne Moore and a pair of adorable lion cubs selling both bags and baubles for the luxury Italian house.

And before Bulgari, there was Louis Vuitton’s safari-themed spread that features a lion cub as well.

It is not an entirely new phenomenon though. Lanvin also had felines; in this case black cats in their F/W09 campaign, albeit a little on the scary side. Think along the lines of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds and I think you know what I’m getting at.

At around the same time, Loewe had Gisele Bundchen and a grumpy brown ginger cat posing up a storm for their F/W09 ad campaign as well. And while I’m not exactly sure if using felines in ad campaigns actually makes any difference in sales, I do appreciate the trend. After all, I’m a cat lover myself. Here’s hoping to see more of our favourite feline friends in more campaigns to come.

Images: Bulgari, Lanvin, Loewe & Louis Vuitton

Another favourite of mine is the Longchamp Gatsby in Carmine; a deep rich red leather beauty which retails for SGD1688. Both bags are carried by none other than Russian supermodel Sasha Pivovarova who remains the face of the F/W10 ad campaign (shot by David Sims) for the second season running.

And in case you missed my earlier post on F/10 Le Pliage offerings, follow the link and take a look here.

Images: Longchamp

I just had to post close-ups of the very fine Raquel Zimmerman looking all feline and fierce. Wait, are we still even using that word anymore? And speaking of fierce, how about that new Diamante Canvas frame bag that’s just dripping with exotic croc.

Guaranteed to cost you at least a low five-figure sum (I’m guessing), I will be keen to check this out in person for myself, especially the front locking clasp which is inspired by Gucci archival pieces dating back to 1973.

And while you’re lusting over it, follow the link to check out the other gorgeous F/W10 Gucci bags I posted back in May 2010. Boys, follow this link and have a look at the mens collection. More updates to come.

Images: Gucci

Case in point? The classic Mulberry Bayswater given an all-over leopard makeover. How much you ask? SGD4360.

The achingly hip hit is up next, which I’m pretty sure single-handedly turned the brand around and made fashionistas the world over drool like an infant baby.

If plain leather is just too staid for you, then check out the Mulberry Alexa which will debut for F/W10 in quilted denim (SGD2190). And that’s not all. Those looking for something different can also check out the new Mulberry Alexa Hobo which retails for SGD2490 each.

And last but not least, a new addition to the Mulbery family, the Mulberry Greta Tote which will come in 2 sizes and retails for SGD1690 and SGD2490 respectively. While I’m not exactly loving the Furla-esque tassel, it’s something that can be easily overlooked given the fact that its gorgeous cracked lambskin leather body more than makes up for it.

Images: Mulberry

Taking a pared-down approach and keeping the campaign images simple was the intention of Stuart Vevers, who decided on shooting the campaign on the streets of Madrid to highlight Loewe’s Spanish heritage. Retouching and alterations were kept to a minimum, in stark contrast to what luxury advertising is today.

Bags featured in the campaign are also Loewe’s signature pieces, like the special ‘Made To Order‘ green croc Amazona (shown above). Available in 3 different sizes, you can choose from 16 different colours in 3 exotic skins: croc (matt or polished) and ostrich. You can also choose from 5 colours for the interior lining in napa leather as well as the colour of your hardware in either gold or silver.

And that’s not all. Each ‘Made To Order‘ Amazona will also have a leather plaque on the inside bearing your initials and the year it was made; unique, exclusive and handmade just for you. Just head on down to Loewe at Ngee Ann City to find out more.

Another bag featured in the ad campaign is the Loewe Napa Viento30 in Peacock Blue that will be available in stores from 23 July 2010. Priced at SGD2090, it’s a lovely marriage of supple leather and stylish leanings.

Images: Loewe

For the first time ever, Bottega Veneta’s mens collection will be receiving its own advertising with the ads to run globally in top mens titles like GQ, Vogue Hommes and Brutus. Shot by Robert Longo, the ad campaign is inspired by his late 70s series ‘Men In The Cities’ which depicted men and women in business attire contorted in extreme positions.

Says Tomas Maier, ‘This collection, with its dark palette and emphasis on line and movement, seemed well-suited (intentional pun Mr Maier?) to his graphic approach. I’m very pleased with the campaign, the images are quite extraordinary’.

Personally I’m loving the campaign, which just accentuates the human form and shows how well-cut and fitted their menswear collection is. For a quick look at the womenswear campaign, just follow this link. And in case anyone’s lusting for the leather intrecciato duffel, that baby will retail for SGD5680 in Singapore.

Images: Bottega Veneta