EOC Exercise: Chapter 1

“Tom Ford, the former creative director of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, turned louche sexuality into high fashion in the 1990s. In that decade, Mr. Ford was arguably the most influential fashion designer of his generation, re-imagining 1970s chic with unsubtle sex appeal.” (nytimes.com)

This ad campaign is for Tom Ford’s For Men fragrance that was launched in 2007. “It was the  first men’s fragrance. A blend of traditional elements and modern influences. Like a second skin, this innovative Classic Woods fragrance is sensual, refined and luxurious.” (tomford.com)

            “For years fashion brands have been creating sexy advertisement, with models in erotic poses, that attempt to push buttons. We live in an era where "sex sells" and advertisers are consistently looking for ways to seduce us. Today, "sexy ads" often become controversial ads and many protest that fashion brands have once again pushed the bounds of taste and decency to the limit.” (http://www.fashionist.ca/2010/11/controversial-advertisements-sex-in-fashion-ads.html) Tom Ford’s ads have made in on the top 10 controversial ads and this is one of them. Many people feel that it is inappropriate or feels offended because it is showing between a woman’s legs and breasts.
            I think that the ad is trying to target males in their middle age. Some males may think that this ad is disgusting while others will be more attracted to the naked women that could cause them to buy the product. I think the goal of this ad is to capture men’s attention and to show that if men would use this cologne, women will be all over them. Also, Tom Ford wants people to be able to remember the ad by using sex appeal and making it stand out. By having the women wear red lipstick and nail polish makes the ad sexier.