Lanvin latest label to favor ‘real people' over models

After its hugely popular Fall 2011 campaign starred top models Raquel Zimmermann and Karen Elson, Lanvin has taken a different direction for Fall 2012 -- with ads starring ‘real women and men' including an octogenarian.

Captured by photographer Steven Meisel, cast members of the campaign include 81-year-old dancer Jacquie "Tajah" Murdock, who found fame when she featured on Ari Seth Cohen's Advanced Style blog -- which showcases older fashionistas seen around the streets of New York.

"This campaign is a dream come true. I grew up in Harlem always wanting to be a model, but in my day there were very little opportunities for women of color to work in fashion.

"At 18 I went from agent to agent looking for jobs, even as a hand model. I have finally made it and I will never give up. Hopefully someday I will get to Paris!" Cohen quoted Murdock as saying on his blog.

Meanwhile, Lanvin creative director Alber Elbaz told WWD July 18 that there was something "very democratic" about the project.

Lanvin is the latest fashion house to snub models in favor of mere mortals, with Dolce & Gabbana sending ‘real men' including students and waiters down the catwalk at their Milan Menswear Fashion Week presentation last month.

Meanwhile, high street store American Apparel recently cast 60-year-old Jacky O'Shaughnessy in its Advanced Basics campaign. The gray-haired beauty was approached by the brand while dining at a New York restaurant.