Ads Push Sexy to Sexually Explicit.

Calvin Klein, the label known for racy underwear ads has made headlines again when the Australian Advertising Standards Bureau yanked photos for their suggestive tone.  Supermodel, Laura Stone appearing to be naked from the waist down is shown with three other men in various stages of undress.  The Bureau, determined that the overall impact of the scene was suggestive of violence and rape.

Stone appears helpless relative to the men around her – she is being subjected to their will.  It also seems as they are “high” on something, with two of the participants having that far off, not there look.

For over 30 years the designer has used the shock and awe form of advertising.  Always pushing the envelope with sexy, racy photo’s of models in their underwear.  Perhaps one of the first “infamous” campaigns used a then 15 year old Brooke Shields in hardly anything but Calvin Klein Jeans.  Just this week, Brooke was a guest on the Ellen Show claiming that after all these years she still fits into her Calvin’s.

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/09/22/brooke-shields-ellen-calvin-klein-jeans-ad/

In July 2009, the designers ads were pulled from New York City.  In fact, it seems it is the attention that Klein seeks.  A Calvin Klein spokesman told wcbstv.com the “intention was to create a very sexy campaign that speaks to our target demographics.”  The ads, along with commercial were thereafter banned in the United States but shown in Italy, Germany, and Spain.  The 2009 ad in SoHo section of the City was called “borderline pornographic” by New Yorkers.

Corner of Lafayette and Houston in New York City

Even if you wanted to argue the images as being consensual, they still depict what amounts to group sex.  These ads lead consumers to believe that violence against women is acceptable and enjoyable — as long as you’re wearing your Calvin’s.

What are they thinking???

 

Don’t be in Such a Hurry to Grow-Up!

Maybe it’s just me, but I think little girls should be little girls.  There is too much pressure on women to obtain and maintain the perfect image.  Yet advertising executives, mostly men, tell us what that elite image of perfection is.  We are bombarded daily with commercials, and print advertisements that tell us what clothes to wear, what to eat, what kind of car to drive and mostly what marks success.

We all remember as little girls trying on our moms shoes, even playing with her makeup and so wanting to look just like her as she readied for a date with dad.  But there was a time and place for everything and it seemed our mothers took control and decided what that time should be.

It seems today young girls are more precocious than just five years ago.  Perhaps in part to the onslaught of teen idols.  Marketers are keen to the 7 going on 16 population of young girls.  Girls age 8 to 12 years old now spend an estimated $500 million a year on beauty products of all kinds, including those endorsed by their idols.  http://www.frankwbaker.com/young_girls_targeted_by_makeup.htm

Young girls now have flirty fashions, swim suits with padded chests and slinky underwear for 8 year olds.  Noah Cyrus, sister to Miley Cyrus was criticized for the grown up look of this outfit, even though it was apparently meant for a Halloween Costume.  Still, it presents a very grown up look for such a young girl.  The sexualization of women starts at a very young age these days.

Noah Cyrus and a friend are also the models for a new line of children’s lingerie.  Can you image, sexy undies for your little one.  http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2010/01/noah-cyrus-launches-childrens-lingerie-line/

Parents can point blame everywhere, but parents also need to draw the line when it comes to preserving a child’s innocence and honoring family morals.

Can I have these for when I grow up?

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