The Ad Exec: An instant classic. It's like the visual equivalent of a beautiful orchestral piece. The right outfits. The right models. The right lighting. Hair, make-up. And they're all played against each other with great sensitivity. This sort of Spanish/Gypsy theme is intact from runway to campaign and I think it's why this collection was such a hit and such a breakthrough, because it shot like a straight arrow right into the heart of the brand.
The Photo-Rep: This is hot. This is the kind of painterly lighting that is painful to do. Just try copying this. Unless you just happen to be Irving Penn, don't try this at home kids. Look at the highlights on the hair and the triangle of shadow under the chin. Now look at the patina on the backdrop . It's a painting. The amount of textures in these prints blow my mind. To keep an image this dark and this detailed shows a technical skill that you only get with years of experience. You never loose the product in the shadows. Ever. And it all looks so easy. But I know this took a lot of work and I give it my highest marks and my highest respect. Wow!
The Editor: There certainly were ads that were more flamboyant. Ads that were more innovative. Even ads that were more entertaining but I feel that absolutely nothing was more effective this year than this ad for Yves St. Laurent. Without reserve I contend that this has to be, the single best ad of 2001! Why? Because it does what the best advertising is supposed to do. Send hordes stampeding to the stores. This is the campaign where impeccable business sense met aesthetic refinement for the most perfect marriage imaginable.
The Shop A Holic: The top of the season. The belt of the season. The shoe of the season. God. Even the skirt of the season. And it's so romantic. So dramatic. I loved these pictures. It really made you feel something that was missing in fashion, something warm and romantic and feminine. It really was special!

Read the previous Top 10 Campaigns: Fall 2000