"I said yes straightaway. I shop a vast amount at Marks & Spencer, and I spend half my life in its pyjamas. I've got a Marks & Spencer credit card. I liked the fact the campaign was all about different women. It's not about what you look like, it's about what you do.”

Steve Sharp, Creative Director at M&S, said: “We wanted to mark this moment with a confident statement about UK style. The British have a history of being creative and pioneering and these women represent just that.”

M&S Autumnwear's leading ladies:

Nicola Adams, Olympic Gold Winning Boxer

Monica Ali, Award-Winning Author

Helen Allen, Nurse of the Year 2011

Darcey Bussell, Retired Principal Ballerina at The Royal Ballet

Grace Coddington, Creative Director of US Vogue

Karen Elson, Supermodel and Singer

Tracey Emin, Artist and Professor of Drawing at the Royal Academy

Ellie Goulding, Multiplatinum global recording artist/Brit Award winning Singer/Songwriter

Helen Mirren, Multiple Award-Winning Actress

Laura Mvula, Breakthrough Singer/Songwriter

Katie Piper, Burns survivor, television presenter and charity campaigner

Jasmine Whitbread, CEO of Save the Children International

Words: Anna Pollitt. Images: Marks & Spencer, Rex Features

Tracey Emin for Marks & Spencer