Top marks for M&S?

 Quintessentially British high street brand, Marks & Spencer, have revealed their new A/W style campaign featuring a most remarkable cast. Grace Coddington, creative director of Vogue USA, Dame Helen Mirren, singers Ellie Goulding and Laura Mvula and Olympic boxer Nicola Adams are but a few who posed alongside one another in photos released by the Sunday Times Style today.

 In the wake of falling profits and lack of support from its primary customers - Middle England - notable style director, Belinda Earl, and influential celebrity photographer, Annie Leibovitz, were set the task of restoring M&S's former stature in high street fashion.

 Renowned for her famous Vanity Fair portraits, Leibovitz used her prowess to create a similar image of enchanting realism. Set against a backdrop of the Tower of London, the images successfully stir even my (inexperienced) patriotic side, something I imagine more compelling in that of Middle England. But is this enough to revive the brand?

 In July this year, Earl stood before the brand's womenswear shareholders and stated, "You told us you wanted dresses with sleeves, so for autumn, 90 per cent will have sleeves", after a backlash about the inconsideration to "bingo wings". True to her word, the A/W collection is ridden with sleeved dresses, jumpers and tops. But was this really worth ditching model legend Twiggy's advert or should M&S stick to the likes of sandwiches, pyjamas and undies?

Photo: www.thesundaytimes.co.uk

Photo: www.mirror.co.uk

Photo: www.marieclaire.co.uk

Photo: www.marieclaire.co.uk