In new, Virginia Wolf-themed campaign

Jun 10, 2009 18:21 GMT  ·  By

The British actress has made the move from “Harry Potter” darling and Hollywood superstar to classic beauty for the new campaign for fashion giant Burberry. The first ads from the new autumn / winter campaign are already out: shot by famed photographer Mario Testino under Burberry’s creative director Christopher Bailey, they turn to Virginia Wolf for inspiration, as the Daily Mail can confirm.

It’s been a long while since Emma has marked her departure from the girlie image “Harry Potter” helped her construct, appearing in various fashion-oriented photo spreads in magazines and becoming quite a fixture at all the major fashion shows. This initially prompted talk of her going over to Chanel, but nothing came of it as the 19-year-old star signed with Burberry for the first contract of the kind.

Speaking of contracts, although reports had it she would be set almost for life by going to Chanel, it seems the actress hasn’t done too shabby with Burberry either, as the endorsement deal is believed to bring her a six-figure check that will considerably impact her £8 million fortune. For the fashion giant at least, the investment was more than wise, since there was no better “face” than Emma that Burberry could have brought along for the new campaign, as Bailey reveals for the Mail.

“Having known and admired the lovely Emma Watson for quite some time, she was the obvious choice for this campaign. Emma has a classic beauty, a great character and a modern edge. Her charm, intellect and brilliant sense of fun made the whole shoot feel like a picnic on the Thames.” creative director Christopher Bailey says of the new Burberry girl. “I felt Emma would be strong enough to hold the campaign as the only girl, and I loved the idea of her being surrounded by these young, cool British guys.” Bailey adds.

The ads, which have already been made public, depict Emma donning several Burberry creations, from fancy coats to impressive handbags and scarves, while surrounded by a group of groomed up British boys. The entire photo shoot was inspired, as noted above, by writer Virginia Wolf and the Bloomsbury set.