The first thing I did after seeing this ad was to make sure I had read the brand’s name correctly — After all, a two-page spread and modified font for a Pollini ad? The former hasn’t happened for the brand’s campaigns since a few years ago, and the latter, no doubt, signals a rebranding of the label’s more composed image as seen in the stoically beautiful Fall/Winter 2008 ads.

After refreshing my memory of the Pollini’s quirky spring collection, which was full of fun silhouettes and polka dots (As seen here), the details in this ad made more sense — even the casting of veteran Elise Crombez, which seems to conflict the entire concept. It is logical to question why, out of the many flirty, layered pieces by Jonathan Saunders, Pollini chose to market based on the portrait of a funeral attendee. After all, the styling in the ad appears very aged, and Elise’s unreadable expression makes one somewhat uneasy. However, the patterned background provides some balance and reminds us that this is just what we observe on the surface. In reality, she is not focused on what’s going on during the procession and service — she’s thinking about what food they will be serving at the reception.