Penny Lancaster the face of designer lingerie brand Ultimo for a reported £200,000. Lancaster was a success at promoting the brand raising its profile, especially in the United Kingdom, but two years later, Lancaster's contract was not renewed. However, she was replaced by Rod Stewart's ex-wife Rachel Hunter, and founder Mone later expressed that she had always wanted Hunter but was unable to afford her. The decision, dubbed "Bra Wars" by the British press, was seen as a publicity stunt which infuriated Stewart who described Mone as "manipulative", yet two of his daughters - Kimberly and Ruby - have since modelled for
Ian Hunter (singer) worked as a journalist and staff songwriter for Francis, Day & Hunter Ltd., did road-digging for a local council, and reported for a local newspaper. By 1969 Hunter had two children, but was still hoping for a return to making music full-time. Meanwhile, guitarist Mick Ralphs joined organist Verden Allen in Jimmy Cliff's backing band, The Shakedown Sound. Eventually Ralphs, Allen, vocalist Stan Tippins, bassist Overend Watts, and drummer Dale Griffin united to become Silence, who auditioned for British impresario Guy Stevens. Silence renamed themselves after Willard Manus' 1966 novel, "Mott the Hoople". The band lacked a credible singer with