Candice Swanepoel Joan Smalls Anne Klein Fall ’25

The campaign, shot in the quiet, leafy elegance of New York City by Matt Easton, is a visual love letter to this very notion. Candice and Joan, real-life best friends, are not just models here; they are a study in complementary style. Their looks, a masterclass in classic tailoring and sophisticated neutral palettes, are exactly the kind of thing you’d expect from a brand with Anne Klein’s heritage. The featured looks, which break in the prestigious September issue of Harper’s Bazaar, are everything: tailored separates, statement dresses, bags, and jewelry that feel both timeless and now.

Let’s dissect the looks, shall we? Because the details, ma chérie, they are everything. In one shot, we see Candice Swanepoel draped elegantly, wearing a sleeveless, double-breasted dress in a striking black and white micro-houndstooth print. It’s a silhouette that instantly recalls the structured, ladylike aesthetic of the mid-20th century, but the sleeveless cut and a sleek black leather belt give it an undeniable sharpness for 2025. Her signature aviator sunglasses feel more SoHo street style than red carpet, a casual, confident choice.

And then there’s Joan Smalls, the picture of refined relaxation. Lying beside Candice, she wears a matching houndstooth set—a blazer and trousers that could have been pulled from an old-world Italian fashion house. The fabric has that particular weight and drape, a quality that separates the truly luxurious from the merely pretty. It’s a look that says “I am successful, but I am also completely at ease,” which, let’s be honest, is the ultimate style goal. She pairs it with a beautiful camel-colored coat, the kind of piece that elevates any outfit from an afterthought to a deliberate statement. The cream-colored handbag is a perfect counterpoint, adding a touch of soft elegance to the sharp tailoring. It’s the kind of subtle coordination that stylists like Sandy Armeni, who worked on this campaign, know how to execute flawlessly.

What I find so compelling here—and what WHP Global Chief Marketing Officer Jameel Spencer rightly pointed out—is the authenticity. This isn’t two strangers pretending to be friends for a paycheck. It’s Joan and Candice, two women who have a genuine affection for one another, and it shows. Joan Smalls, a veteran of Anne Klein’s Spring 2022 campaign, brings a seasoned grace, while Candice, who was the brand’s ambassador in Spring 2023, brings a quiet strength. Their philanthropic efforts, too, with Candice’s partnership with Custom Collaborative, give this campaign a heart and a purpose that transcends just selling clothes.

This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan trend; this is about a return to substance. It’s about investing in pieces—like a beautifully cut blazer or a timeless handbag—that will last. It’s a rejection of the fleeting, a warm embrace of true elegance. And in a world of endless fast fashion, seeing two of the industry’s most powerful women champion a brand that values enduring style… it’s a breath of fresh air. It makes me want to get a cappuccino and a friend and just… be.