To sell sex or not to sell sex? That's a question Tom Ford whose 57th birthday was earlier this week never has had to wrestle with, especially when it came to concepting brand campaign imagery his own or otherwise. Though his proclivity to lean toward uncensored NSFW graphics wasn't always realized. When the boundary-pushing designer held court at the helm of Gucci starting in , his direction was still relatively tame. In , he cast a fully clothed Amber Valletta to front a campaign, outfitting her in a satiny teal blue shirt immodestly unbuttoned down to her chest, but modest nonetheless , a matching wool coat, and a logo belt. But in the years since, he dialed up the explicit nature of his vision with each passing season.
Watchdog clears raunchy letter G Gucci advertisement
Vogue under fire for raunchy Gucci advertisement
LONDON - Vogue, Conde Nast's high fashion and style bible, looks set to come under fire from the advertising watchdog for a raunchy advertisement for Gucci in its February issue, which is out this week. The ad features year old model Carmen Kass, who is pulling at her knickers to reveal the letter G shaved into her pubic hair while a male model is kneeling down beside her in a provocative position. The picture was taken by celebrity photographer Mario Testino and has been unofficially dubbed "Pubic Enemy". The Advertising Standards Authority said this morning that once it receives an official complaint it will investigate the ad. So far the watchdog said it had received around 10 telephone complaints, and one written complaint about a Gucci ad in Vogue's sister title Tatler, although this was for a different and less offensive execution. However, consumer groups have this morning attacked the ad calling it "deeply offensive" and "extremely harmful" and called for its immediate ban.
The Gucci Pubic Hair Ad Might Be More Controversial 15 Years Later
As well as being the first name in high end luxury literally with his own self titled TOM FORD brand Ford understands how to make the most shocking, controversial and what some have called vulgar Ad campaigns in an industry that specializes in all of the above. The aftermath was as expected. She was an edgy, devil may care, sexually active rockstar who dressed in the most stylish of clothes. Ford creates a mystique, an intrigue that makes the consumer want to know more. These images are highly sexual and so the consumer wants to be recognized thusly through association with the product.
With her hypnotic feline looks and dramatic presence Louise has long been a favorite of designers and editors alike. MDC catches up with the legendary beauty to take a trip down memory lane as she shares muses on Lagerfeld, traveling around the world, being a mother and of course returning to the runway. Gucci — ph. Mario Testino.