British high street retailer — sister of our own Woolies — M&S has a long track record of using an array of amazing women in their advertising campaigns. But times are a-changing and they have upped the ante this season, as they move into fall 2013 with the most spectacular selection of new women to date. Announced yesterday in the Sunday Times, the latest coats and dresses campaign features women from age 72 — the US Vogue Fashion Queen Grace Coddington — all the way through to singer Ellie Goulding who is only 26 years old.

Along the way they take in the mighty Dame Helen Mirren, 68, the controversial artist Tracey Emin, 50, the novelist Monica Ali, 45, retired ballet dancer Darcey Bussell, 44, flame-haired super model Karen Elson, 34, and another 26-year-old singer that I love Laura Mvula. There is also an Olympic boxer, a businesswoman and a nurse in the mix, but to be fair I don't know them and they are unlikely to influence any purchase decisions. Aiming for the woman of substance with this selection, M&S have played to the broad-based British lady's love of celebrity, intelligence, success and style. All of these women have accomplished something. And for that alone, I am a fan. Give us more of that.
PS: the campaign was shot by the incredible Annie Liebovitz. Amazing.