Burberry, without Robert Pattinson

He may not be the first to refuse an advertising contract, but Robert Pattinson is probably the only actor who dared to decline such an offer from Burberry. The Twilight star turned down the chance to play the role of a fashion model in favor of his acting career; a refreshing position in a business where stars have no problem stacking up the extravagant luxury label contracts.

Burberry, apparently favoring young British actors after their Emma Watson episode, settled on Robert Pattinson. However, despite the seemingly excessive price - more than 1 million dollars - that they offered him, Pattinson declined the offer.

At a time when the fashion and beauty industries are attempting by all means possible to acquire actors or singers generating a minimum of buzz, this choice proves to be as courageous as it is coherent. In fact, as a result of seeing artists transformed into Dolce & Gabbana or Chanel flag-bearers, the public risks reducing them to their roles as product icons.

However, blinded by the significant sums offered, the stars often underestimate the negative impact that overexposure in the magazines and other advertising mediums can have on their public.

For example, as a result of seeing Marion Cotillard in the Dior ads (as seen here and here), some have reached saturation, to the point of being less inclined to see her in her latest films - as if the desire to see her on the big screen is lessened by her omnipresence in the glossies.

It is true that when all it takes is to lift your eyes to the nearest billboard to admire your favorite actor, the magic of seeing him appear on the big screen is inevitably lessened, something that Pattinson seems to have understood. If only the young Hollywood recruits could learn from his example...