Sex (With Curvy Chicks) Sells
I saw this ad in this week’s Entertainment Weekly; it’s the first Jennifer Hudson for Avon ad that I’ve seen so far. And I was quite struck by the “sex sells” marketing. Not only is it an obviously sexy shot of J. Hud, the perfume is named “Seduction,” and the tagline on the ad is “Where desire leads.” Although Jennifer is full-figured, the execution of this ad seems no different from, say, a Britney Spears ad for her new Midnight Fantasy perfume.
In the realm of hot chicks endorsing perfume, I’ll probably stick with Kate Winslet’s Lancôme Tresor, but this is only because Kate Winslet is my girlfriend and refused to be airbrushed and I love her beyond all reason as you all well know by now. That frees Jennifer Hudson up for you! It’s a win/win! Another sexy picture for the same campaign can be seen here. If you try Imari Seduction perfume, let us know how it is!
Posted by mo pie
Filed under: Advertising, American Idol, Britney Spears, Celebrities, Feel Good Friday, Jennifer Hudson, Kate Winslet, Magazines, Tidbit
It’s always nice to see ads that feature real-looking women in them. I
find it interesting though, not to make this a race issue. Although I know some people like to turn anything involving race in some form into a race issue.
That most ads that show plus-size women, have Black women in it. I understand the Black culture may be more accepting of plus-size girls. That’s all well and good, but where are the images of plus-sized White girls? Or would that not play into the time-worn concept, that if you have money, you should be able to afford to be thin.
I LOVE the picture. It’s sexy as all get out. Black, white, or brown, it’s nice to see a fuller figured woman in such an alluring ad. I’m not sure what you meant by your post, Jackie, but whatever.
“I understand the Black culture may be more accepting of plus-size girls.”
Jackie, ma cherie, you’re running a little bit behind on the pop culture train. Scope out any hip-hop blog on which middle-to-upper-middle-class men of color post (and I’m not just talking Black, either) and you will find exhortations for women of size to “go to the gym” (critical thinking not necessarily being their strong point) and how “fat in the community is unhealthy”. So black, white, red, brown, or purple, as women, we’re all in the same boat together, again and still.
The two things that jump out at me with respect to that are how
1) men as they move up the socioeconomic ladder ape the norms of the “ruling elite” right down to the “approved” womens’ body size (which is a set of issues right there that are sticky to talk about, but I’m don’t usually shut up about a sensitive topic just ’cause I’m told) and
2) how men, regardless of color or class, seem to think it’s all about what pleases their eye, euphemistic phrases and actual health be d***ed.
Closer to topic, I’m ambivalent about the picture for the reason Mo put in the title (because irrespective of what I think, JHud looks quite awesome) — not that it’s going to go away, but that it seems to be all about pleasing teh menz to sell teh perfumz, no matter what size you are.
Don’t care why, it rocks to see a plus-sized woman this beautiful and self-confident in a major ad. Go Jennifer.
The only real difference I can see between this ad and, say, Britney’s ad is that they really only show Jennifer from the shoulders up (her waist and most of her upper arms are in shadow), whereas Britney (and any other thin model) is usually at least from the waist up. Basically you can’t really tell that Jennifer is full-figured. I don’t know if that was a conscious choice on the part of the perfume maker or advertising agency or not, but I thought it was interesting.
In the latest issue of the Canadian campaign (#21) it’s listed at an intro price of $19.50 (I think it is $22 on the US website) The regular price is going to be$28. Since it was so reasonable I ordered a bottle in August.
It’s strong. ONE squirt is definitely enough (please don’t use more, PLEASE). After the initial intoxication settles you can smell a blend of sweet fruit and vanilla. It’s described in the brochure as: “a hypnotic scent of luscious plum and purple orchid with tantalizing hints of warm vanilla, amber, and musk.”
It does smell very sweet though. Hypnotic? Mm.. DH said it’s “nice” but this is after I nearly killed him by testing it in the van as we were going down the highway. I’m allowed to have my blonde moments.
It is a nice change from the Lovely (SJP) I’ve been using. It’s too strong for me to use after I finish this bottle though.