Week 4 EOC: Role of Women in Contemporary Advertisements

American Apparel has been known for their inappropriate advertisements. American Apparel is directed to the younger woman (18-25). Their ads display young women posing in provocative poses wearing of course, American Apparel. The CEO Dov Charney would defend these ads by saying the girls are posing to show how the garment moves or is suppose to be worn. American Apparel's advertisements have become infamous for capturing young models in moments of vulnerable sensuality in seemingly causal situations. It's what Charney calls "our look." So by showing what appears to be a young woman posing women’s hosiery, why is there a need for her to have her hands between her legs? Their ads display women inappropriately, especially young women.

The ad beneath is a Dove campaign for women of all sizes. I like this ad and believe it is different from the one above because there is a certain empowerment to this ad. It says that you can be any skin tone, any size and still be beautiful. Certainly, factors other than branding contribute to a brand's success, including the quality of its product or service, public perception and enthusiasm, relevance to people's lives, the time period and culture, and the communities and/or celebrities who adopt it.Most women wouldn’t even consider being half naked in their own homes, nonetheless on an ad! And this ad is appropriate for all ages, even older, more accomplished women. Dove has stated within this ad campaign that all women are beautiful and should use this beauty product that will make your skin softer no matter what age or size you are.

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/american-apparel-ceo-dov-charney-tarnished-hero/story?id=16229958
http://www.americanapparel.net/
http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/brandnewday/archives/2008/05/surprise_doves.html