Jonathan Saunders’ first campaign for Diane Von Furstenberg is all about diversity

And we’re embracing it

(Image credit: Oliver Hadlee Pearch)

And we’re embracing it

Diane Von Furstenberg's Autumn/Winter 2017 campaign has landed, and Jonathan Saunders' first ad since becoming chief creative officer did not disappoint.

In a way, the campaign looks back at the brand's beginnings, by celebrating the city where it was founded, New York. But rather than presenting an overly glossy version, instead it showcases its raw energy, diversity and contrast.

The film, shot by Oliver Hadlee Pearch and directed by Jonny Lu Studio, followers four models through their journey of self-discovery in the city.

The fact Luna Bijl, Yoon Young Bae, Angok Mayen, and Cara Taylor, are from different origins (The Netherlands, Korea, Sudan, and America) is all the more significant, especially in a society where racism is still rife.

Photo: Oliver Hadlee Pearch

Throughout the video, you will hear a voice-over by emergin Brooklyn-based poet Rachel Kang, telling the diverse history of Harlem, Tompkind Square Park and Liverty Island.

But the best thing about the campaign is that the beautiful fashion takes a bit of a backseat to the real stars, the city's residents. Yep, all those people in the background, including skateboarders, dancers and chess players of all backgrounds, are actual New Yorkers.

Jonathan Saunders, told us, 'This is an important moment for the brand. Through film and stills we have tried to capture the energy of a brand that stands for freedom, self expression, diversity and individuality. I'd like to thank all the creatives who worked on the project.'

As you might have guessed, the new collection is all about embracing the new, without losing focus on what the brand is about. The classic DVF monogram has had a makeover, and bold and colourful prints reign supreme.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.