Calvin Klein, as a fashion designer, designs and sells clothes. However, in his advertisements, such as the one portrayed above, it seems to me that he is actually trying to sell sex, rather than his clothing line. Often times, people who sell clothes, perfume, even deodorant or watches, represent their models as “sex” objects to grab other people’s attentions. The phrase “sex sells” really is true. However, the messages and claims that this advertisement is spreading is that once one purchases an outfit from Calvin Klein, he or she will have the pleasurable sex they have desired and yearned for. This message that is being portrayed can, obviously, be taken many ways. One can either accept, reject, or suspend the judgment and message that the ads are sending out. Just because one obtains some clothing from Calvin Klein, it does not guarantee great sex. You may not even get a man that way! And I know that from personal experience. It is essential for everyone, especially to those whom the advertisements are geared towards, to understand how important it is to trust our own personal experiences because it is the “most reliable source of information” (84) we have. Don’t be fooled by irrational advertisements that try to sell you things by blinding you with unrealistic thoughts.
I agree with your post. Sex really does sell this day in age. Advertisements like this would no doubt be band if it were fifteen or twenty years ago. These types of ads can be seen everywhere. Whether it be in the mall or in your monthly magazine. You did a really great job at breaking down your advertisement, as well as giving your own personal take on the ad itself. You chose to use your own person experience in order to pick apart the ad and in the end you decided to reject the ads claims by using your own personal experience. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with how you explained this post. I can see another side of it where if a girl sees a guy wearing Calvin Klein Jeans, she will think he is sexy like the man in the advertisement. This may also cause men to think that if they just wear Calvin Klein Jeans, women will find him irresistible. It is a very tricky ad campaign that most people probably don't realize has an affect on them. For example, if someone was to say they wanted Calvin Klein Jeans after seeing the ad and someone else asks him or her why, the person may not be able to communicate why the ad made him or her want the jeans at first; they were unknowingly tricked by the sex part of the ad. Very sneaky marketers!
ReplyDeleteSex is probably one marketing strategy that never fails. Everyone wants to feel appealing to the opposite sex. The vibe that this add gives me is by wear these guess double black jeans, girls would just want you in bed. From a guys point of view, every guy would love to grab the attention of the females any way possible. If this means buying jeans that are 100-200 dollars, well for some this might be a trade off they are willing to do. I agree how this add gives people a false hope of attraction or "sexiness" to the consumers. But overall i like this post, good job ash. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI think this was one of my favorite posts. Your explanation was spot on. Sex sells. It's as simple as that. Using sex to sell your product will never fail because it is always something that will attract people of both sexes. These types of ads are acceptable in todays culture wheras they wouldnt have been twenty years ago. This ad definitely gives people false hope because it makes you think you will become sexy if you buy the product when that is clearly not the case. If you are sexy, it's not because of the product but i can see how these ads might trick some into believing otherwise
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Sex definitely sells. This post reminded me of "Back to the Future" when Marty went back to the future and was mistakenly called Calvin because of his Calvin Klein underwear. That movie came out in 1985 and even back then they were using sex as a tool to sell products. I also agree with smashin24 said that 20 years ago this type of add would be considered unacceptable. These days, sex is selling more and more and the line between what's appropriate and inappropriate is always being tested. Overall, great post. You explained it very well. I admit, I wear Calvin Klein underwear because they are comfortable but I always hope it will get me girls. :)
ReplyDeleteI seen this in so many people's blogs, but I guess we all agree on this don't we?? Sex does sell. This marketing technique never fails regardless of the product they are trying to persuade the reader to buy. As said, it is a major eye catcher for many people and very entertaining as well. The thing is, it's almost as falls advertising. Like axe commercials. It shows a person putting axe on one's self thus extremely making every girl around you want a piece of you sexually. Of course this doesn't happen, and it considered false advertisement; but it's an example of how sex sells.
ReplyDeleteGood post I would have to agree with you and everyone else. Ads have changed so much just in the last 20 years and sex seems to be the only thing that’s sells with products such as cologne, deodorant, alcohol etc. You can only hope that people use their personal experiences when viewing this ad and not believing the picture that wants to lure you in with. Sex has began to dominate the market and by the look of this ad the sex appeal is not slowing down one bit but only getting more risky by the year. The norm has definitely changed from unacceptable and reserve to out of control.
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