Burberry's fashion hothouse

WINNING a place on the Burberry advertising campaign is a little like winning The X Factor.

The unknowns who are cast in it often go on to great things, such is the exposure from one of the most prestigious gigs in the fashion business. There is no better indication of who will make it big.

And according to Burberry's spring 2009 campaign, pictured above, it could well be Eden Clarke. It is only 18 months since the 19-year-old was spotted at a festival on her native Isle of Wight but she was on the cover of last month's British Vogue with new Model of the Year Jourdan Dunn and is now with a quintessentially British brand that has boosted the likes of Kate Moss, Agyness Deyn and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Joining her in the Burberry line-up is 18-year-old Alexina Graham - the Nottingham teenager got her break after winning a modelling competition. Lily Donaldson, 20 - discovered in Camden market - is in her eighth season with the brand. Also photographed are 19-year-old George Craig, from Yorkshire band One Night Only, and Tooting photographer Emily Hope, 23.

Photographed by Mario Testino in a Richmond greenhouse, the campaign sees Burberry revert to basics. "This reflects the true heritage of Burberry outerwear, the iconic check and our British attitude," said brand creative director Christopher Bailey. "I wanted the mood to be gentle, relaxed, romantic and about a quiet, beautiful sense of luxury."