Please note: images and links within this article may not be safe for work.
Sex and fashion have long been intertwined. Sex and advertising – even longer. But, every now and again, someone in the fashion world causes a stir. We’ve uncovered seven of the most controversial ads ever released by the fashion industry. Enjoy.
American Apparel – 2003 to present
Dov Charney is as much provocateur as he is fashionista. Having drawn the condemnation of millions – from the religious right to the liberal NY blogger – Charney has relied on amateur models and pornstars to sell socks and other cottony goods. But for as much ire as American Apparel’s ads have drawn, many a competitor has drawn inspiration from Charney’s voyeuristic-snapshot style, proving that imitation is the sincerest result of controversy.
Well, maybe those Ads are the most controversial ads in fashion history, but I think probably because of that we will remember them all, and in the marketing world if you don’t do something different, and sometimes controversial, you are just like anyone else. Innovate is the word!
ha! wow. the latest American Apparel ads are under fire. perhaps another article should be written with updated controversial ads.
I really like what you did with your site
I think that these ads are a true testimony of the times. Sex sells, and I think that these designers came up with pretty creative ads that had me and my husband rolling for hours. Hint, there is absolutely no hidden meaning in that. lol
fantastic , high level of creative work though all are banned . Want to see more such type of work .
These ads are indeed controversial.
Recently I saw a campaign of fashion brand Wallstreet Kingdom by Christian Adriaanse.
On another level also quite controversial. Making statements like ‘Spend your bonus’, ‘I love Wall Street’ and ‘Capitalism is Superior’. In these days of worldwide economic recession thanks to those bankers…
nocomment
fantastic , high level of creative work though all are banned . Want to see more such type of work .
Its only a sick mind which conjures images and create controversy over very mundane ads.For istance-last one -Dolce & Gabbana (and Gang Rape !!! ) -whew!!
For all u know u can consider she got hit in a road accident and being helped out by well meaning three good looking guys!Italians please dont rape it- its Ok
The gucci ad with the shaved G in the models pubic hair photographed by Testino should be added. This was a very interesting article to read!
I have been looking at this image for part of my research, have posted some ideas on here
http://heatherdonaldson.tumblr.com/post/947027891/research-fashion-advertising-controversial-fashion
although these pictures may be controversial they however are NOT the most in Fashion history as a fashion photography student only one of these pictures I have seen before whilst using the words controversial. Guy Bourdin, Terry Richardson, Richard Avedon and a few others are the really controversial artists they shocked the world in 1975 with their photo spreads in american vogue.