Moss sidelined by H&M for Italian model and computer graphics

LONDON – Relatively unknown Italian model Mariacarla Boscono and a set of computer graphics will replace Kate Moss as the face of H&M, the Swedish retailer has confirmed.

Boscono will appear in TV ads for H&M's new Stella McCartney range of clothes, but poster and newspaper ads will not feature the model, instead relying on "graphical solutions", a H&M spokeswoman said.

Boscono has previously appeared on the cover of Vogue and has done work for Versace, Pirelli and Alberta Ferretti.

A limited collection of 40 items designed by McCartney, daughter of ex-Beatle Sir Paul, are due to go on sale in 400 H&M stores from November 10.

Moss was dropped as the face of the new clothing range after pictures of her snorting cocaine appeared in the Daily Mirror.

Moss, who was previously earning up to £4m a year, lost many of her lucrative fashion contracts including Burberry and Chanel, after the scandal broke.

The model is now spending time in a rehab clinic in Arizona after a public apology and admitting she has "various problems" to resolve.

Since the cocaine incident, Pirelli has kept her in its calendar and W magazine showed its support with an eight-page fashion shoot entitled 'Survivors'. 

Photographer Mario Testino and Yves Saint Laurent have also come out in support of the Croydon-born model and she appears to have hung on to her deal with Rimmel London.

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