Whether we rush out to pick up the current issue
of our favorite high-end magazine when it hits the news stand, or wait
patiently for the subscription to arrive in the mail, we can't deny that these
full-color glossies are like miniature art galleries featuring the most notable
photographers, designers, and creative directors in the world. It is not
uncommon to pick up an issue of Vogue, GQ, or Vanity Fair and see a print ad
photographed by the likes of a David LaChapelle or a Mario Testino. Just
as with any collection of art, these ads are worthy of a critical analysis.
As a new feature at MasculineCurves.com we'll periodically be taking a
look at the good, the bad, and the ugly in advertising imagery. Here's
what caught our attention this month:
Best Tribute to an Icon
We're not certain this approach has proven
effective for the once thriving jeans manufacturer, but Guess certainly knows
how to pay homage to a timeless Hollywood icon. The company re-energized its brand in 1993 when it hired Anna
Nicole Smith as spokesperson and conjured up those Marylin Monroe/Jayne
Mansfield inspired print ads. In this 2007 ad the model is more
reminiscent of an innocent Norma Jean.
Best Interactive Campaign
One of the few natural beauties in the entertainment
industry, Selma Hayek lends her passionate sophistication to the Campari
brand. This campaign cleverly splashes on to the web with its series of
video vignettes featuring Ms. Hayek as a mysterious sultry guest at the Hotel
Campari. Check it out at campariusa.com.
Most Boring
Does anyone remember when Calvin Klein was one of
the edgiest and most controversial brands in fashion? The only words to
describe this ad are "boring and uninteresting" He appears to
be confused as to why he's at the shoot, and jeers to the make up artist who
gave her that charcoal heroine addict eye treatment. So '90s.
Most Artistic
Dolce & Gabbana is probably the most gay
forward fashion advertiser in the industry. Not only do the ads tend to
feature a lot of candied men in the buff, but D&G has been so bold as to
place these ads in mainstream publications such as GQ. So once you're
done salivating over the bods on the guys, we dare you to take a closer look at
the shear artistry of this campaign at dolcegabbana.it.
Most Deceptive
Here's a classic case of pulling the wool over
your eyes. We love Halle Berry, but has she sold her soul to the devil? We don't think so. The Revlon headline reads
"Today flawless feels weightless." The only thing flawless here
is the use of Photoshop. Seriously, are we to believe Ms.Berry doesn't have pores?
Best Overall Print Campaign
And the MasculineCurves nod for Best Overall
Print Campaign goes to Christian Dior. Featuring lavish use of color,
dramatic lighting, and intricate styling everything about this campaign tells
us that Dior is the most luxurious brand in couture.