As the new face of American designer Donna Karan, Oscar-nominated actress Cate Blanchett has become the latest screen star to cross over into the world of fashion.
Adrian Brody's photos for Ermenegildo Zegna and Jennifer Lopez's campaign for Louis Vuitton are already splashed in the pages of the style glossies. And autumn will bring the debut of Christina Aguilera's layouts for Versace and Victoria Beckham's Roc-A-Wear adverts, as well as Cate's work with Donna Karan.
"There's an exoticism about her. She's intriguing and modern at the same time," said designer Karan, adding: "She represents a sense of modernity and a timelessness." The campaign, shot in Los Angeles and described by the designer as "sexual, organic, industrial and body-conscious", features Cate wearing pieces from the collection in an aircraft hangar, a car and an abandoned printing factory.
Meanwhile, veteran superstar Madonna strikes a pose for clothing chain Gap later this month in an eight-week advertising blitz featuring the singer alongside hip hop artist and producer Missy Elliott. A tie-in with the September release of her forthcoming children's book is also said to be in the works.The singer's foray into adverts is a rare one, though she once lent her image to soft drink giant Pepsi. However, Madonna's TV commercial, which aired in 1989, was short-lived due to the religious controversy surrounding the star's video for Like A Prayer.