recent ads with Victoria Beckham, the fashion icon is rendered more like an abstraction or a living doll rather than a gorgeous celebrity. In the most disquieting image (see left), we only see Beckham’s bare, high-heeled tiny legs protrude over the side of a Marc Jacobs shopping bag that Jacobs has especially made for the shoot. As Victoria Beckham ads for Marc Jacobs continue to hit the press more criticism is not only targeted at the advertisements, but Teller, Beckham and even Jacobs himself. In an effort to learn more about the explosive attention the Beckham advertisements have attracted and share my own personal insights regarding the advertisements, I have posted my comments on other blogs, which I have copied to this post below. The first blog I found was posted on Catwalk Queen, titled "Victoria Beckham Adverts for Marc Jacobs," (see linkroll on right) where an anonymous blogger asserts that the recent Marc Jacobs ads are equally “frightening” as they are “lack luster.” The second post I found was on Marie Claire’s fashion blog, titled "Victoria Beckham in Another Marc Jacobs Ad,"which discuses the Beckham ad-campaign objectionably while asking readers if Marc Jacobs has “sold out by putting Victoria Beckham in his new advertising campaign.” To be honest, the fact that people are ranting and raving about the ads only proves that Marc is a genius. I find the Beckham advertisements clever and arresting. The ads say: “Here is this women, who is not conventionally beautiful, who is being sold and is also selling something.” Marc Jacobs is never afraid to do something unconventional, which is why his young brand has such a loyal following. Below are my rebuttals to those thrashing the Spring/Summer 2008 ad-campaign in the light that fashion is a creative industry that should have the freedom to have equally creative advertisements!"Victoria Beckham in Another Marc Jacobs Ad"
Comment:
Thank you for your lively and poignant post regarding Marc Jacobs advertising-campaign featuring Victoria Beckham. Although you accusations were a bit gruff and were obviously made without any true knowledge of Marc Jacobs history of quirky yet charming advertisements, I am happy that you shared your thoughts. The advertisement serves as a dichotomy between glamour and freedom. This freedom is art, which in the most simplistic sense is where photographer Jurgen Teller and Marc Jacobs transformed an international celebrity into a funny, shameless, and charming character. The advertisement forces observers to ask a different question than the banality of “Is Victoria Beckham beautiful?” but instead it ignites the
infamous magic Marc Jacobs has cultivated since 1997. Furthermore, I must argue that in a creative industry like fashion, designers must be able to take chances and be just as creative as they are in their craft with their advertising. By employing Beckham in his Spring/Summer ad-campaign Jacobs has brought a plethora of attention to his newest collection simply by preying upon Beckham’s recent overexposure in the media. Nevertheless, people are always going to talk about what Marc does."Victoria Beckham Adverts for Marc Jacobs"
Comment:
I really enjoyed reading your informative post about the Marc Jacobs’ advertisements featuring none other than fashion icon, Victoria Beckham. However, I was slightly disappointed to read the final point you made: “Did Marc Jacobs sell-out by putting Victoria Beckham in his new advertising campaign?” As a longtime lover of Jacobs and his quirky advertisements I cannot help but ask why you chose to purpose this question when Jacobs has featured dozens of other celebrities ranging from Dakota Fanning, MIA, and even Wynona Ryder (who actually pitched herself shortly after her shoplifting trail). Furthermore, the strange and awkward photographs of Ms. Beckham are only an extension of Marc Jacobs and Jurgen Teller’s former advertisements where most subjects are generally doing nothing in the “Seinfeldian sense.” His ads have always been characterized as irreverent and fun, which is exactly what the Victoria Beckham ads convey. Jacobs brings humor and light-heartedness to his advertisements and this is what seems to be misunderstood by many. In a way, his advertisements are genius in that you cant help but stop and examine what the ad is trying to tell you (which is usually nothing). Personally, as a true Marc Jacobs devotee I believe the ads are really for people who get it, and I think Marc and Jurgen happily dispense with those who do not. To that extent, the Beckham advertisements are a tongue and cheek portrayal of a beautiful celebrity in an unlikely yet charming portrayal that is full of candor and vivacity.
1 comment:
Marc Jacobs style to me has always transcended time. His advertisements are have always been interesting to me. His new ad-campaign which I read about now for the first time, is equally as interesting to me. First of all, I am a fan of both Victoria Beckham and her husband, they are very tasteful people. I would be lying if i said that the Spice Girls didn't rock my world. The graphic at the top of the page seems very quirky , almost to the point were the longer one stares at it, it creates a feeling humor. In your first comment, the second sentence contains an error. You say "Although you accusations were a bit gruff", you obviously mean "your" here. I also like how you say that the advertisements force you to ask a different question than "Is Victoria Beckham beautiful?" Marc Jacobs takes this into his own hands and provides personality with his photos leaving you wondering everything expect "is Beckham beautiful." Your second comment really brings to the surface, the light-hearted and humors traits that I see in the Advertisements. This is a terrific post and very well done.
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