Thursday, May 15, 2008

Tom Ford Is At It Again


Photo Credit: The Commerical Archive

When I was scanning through last month's British Vogue, the one page that caught my eye was the oh so provocative Tom Ford Eye wear advertisement. The first time I saw the ad I was somewhat shocked and speechless, not knowing what to think. But then again, we're talking Tom Ford here. He's only the most adventurous designer that loves baring nudity and sex-related themes in his campaigns. Remember the men's perfume ads that he released last year or the full-frontal male nudity in the YSL fragrance ad from 2002? (These links are NSFW, so beware!)

Recently, Italy banned the ad for his sunglasses because of it being too "vulgar." The Italian Advertising Institute, which ruled the ad out of order, said that it was "deeply vulgar and went beyond bad taste to actually offend the public's sensibility."

After all of the complaints and the chaos over his adverts from the past, I wonder what drives this man to continue to express his brand in such a risque way. And yes, he has even more racy ads.

Tom Ford is a clever man and his attention getting ads are brilliant (maybe not in a positive way though.) No one will forget his advertisements, but will that really help the sales of his products? I really can't say because I'm not the type that wants to buy a pair of sunglasses after seeing it presented like this. But I'm really not that offended by any of his ads, however a little perplexed by them.

I love Tom Ford and I understand that he's very passionate about his work, but sometimes he really puzzles me. By all means he's a great man and designs clothes impeccably, but I have a feeling that he's going to get it one of these days...

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't agree more, such ads can't make me buy sunglasses or clothes. But as to the idea - very hot and bold.

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

I'm right there with you. While ads are interesting, entertaining, and sometimes "vulgar," I don't look to them as anything more than an advertisement.

I want to check out the other photos because I'm not too familar with Ford's work, but I'm at work and don't want to get in trouble =)

Arrive Fashionably Lux said...

Yes, a bit vulgar. Is all press really good press? I wonder.

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

They say all publicity is good publicity. Tom Ford certainly lives by this...

Lexie H said...

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Imelda Matt - The Despotic Queen of Shoes said...

I don't understand why he keeps rolling out the same tricks. It's neither shocking nor amusing...yawn

Danz said...

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Jaclyn Johnson said...

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Pamcasso said...

Yes, let's exchange links!

Tom Ford is super-talented, and maybe he should work in advertising, but I don't really think that his ads are art, and as provoking as they are, I dislike them. But then again I'm talking about him now:)

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thesil said...

I don´t like most of the Tom Ford´s ads because they seem so vulgar but they don´t annoy me. I don´t understand why this photo was banned in Italy.

LOVE AESTHETICS said...

I dont think thats too vulgair at all! It just depends who's looking at it! she is only biting on a finger! its not such a big deal to bann the ad!

Jaclyn Johnson said...

Added you!!! :)

Unknown said...

Of course I'll exchange links dahhh-ling =) but I think Ford does this 'cuz:

a. sex sell. plain and simple. its been proven
b. I'm not one of tose people that run out and buy some thing cuz of an advert (ok commercials...maybe) but I think its more about brand recognition. people will remember these kinds of things so therefore they'll be able to identfy the brand with the name and thus more likely to purchase (I study this in school so its my job to know)

Alice @Ogni cosa bella è viola said...

Yeah it's true, in my country the new Tom Ford spot has censored cause is hurtful for female dignity. Actually also Dolce & Gabbana has got the same result for a spot, the Auctority banned for misogynim.