NEW YORK, Aug 8, 2001/ --- The economy is slumping, sales are down and advertising budgets are being slashed left and right. All in all, it's a glum season for retailers.

Yet Barbara Bui decided that this is the perfect time to hire top-notch photographers and launch her first U.S. ad campaigns.

Barbara Bui, the Parisian designer known for clothes with a rock 'n roll attitude, is finally advertising her designs stateside after more than 15 years in business. And who better to capture Bui's edgy essence than legendary photographer David Bailey, the man who caught The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and The Who on film in the 1960s.

William Halimi, president of the company (and Bui's husband), said "Barbara has wanted to work with David Bailey for a long time. He's such an important figure." And apparently Bui's team had no trouble making the connection with the icon. To hear Halimi tell of it, the deal was easy as un-deux-trois: "We made an appointment. He loved the clothes. He accepted."

The dramatic black and white photos were taken at Bailey's London studio last May. They include striking full-body shots of Barbara Bui ensembles, as well as close-ups of her shoes and handbags. The ads will appear in the September issues of W, Wallpaper and America Jalouse, as well as in French publications from Le Figaro to French Vogue. Bui is even branching into Russia with ads appearing in Russian Bazaar and L'Officiel.

Is Halimi concerned about the economic downturn in the U.S.? Not at all. In fact, Halimi sees this as a perfect time to promote the Barbara Bui brand. "When everything is working, you won't look for something else," he explains. "But right now, people are looking for something new."

And Barbara Bui is relatively new to the American fashion scene. Her New York boutique in Soho opened in 1998, but Bui is far from a household name.

Halimi isn't brazen in his confidence though. He says the company is being very careful as it builds its advertising. "Each year we'll do a little more," he says. And will Bailey continue to be part of that slowly growing picture? Halimi hopes so. "Everyone [at Barbara Bui] is thrilled with this campaign. We've spoken with David and, if all goes according to plan, the idea is to continue working with him over the next several seasons."

Barbara Bui Fall 2001

Barbara Bui Fall 2001

Barbara Bui Fall 2001