Category: Inspiration

The advertisements we see every day try to tell us a story. The Inspiration section observes these images, and tries to understand the meaning using visual imagination.

Dior Fall 2010 Advertising Campaign

In the Dior Fall 2010 Advertising Campaign, model Karlie Kloss expresses duality and versatility.

 

Dior Fall 2010 Ad Campaign
Dior Fall 2010 Ad Campaign

 

In the first Dior Fall 2010 image, Dior’s dreamy purple hues on diaphanous fabric drape Karlie Kloss elegantly down to her laced knee-highs; whose color is a pale blue that almost seamlessly blends into her soft skin tone. She looks off into the distance, but her bold red lips don’t allow her to drift off into innocence. Her head rests against a pole that looks like a bedpost; this would make sense as she is in a dream-like state. The cold stone background makes it look like a dungeon from which Kloss is trying to escape through another world.

An open hand hiking up the feminine skirt shows vulnerability, while her tightly bound legs indicates a bit of prudence. The booties help transition the first Dior image to the next, as well as tie the two together.

 

Dior Fall 2010 Ad Campaign
Dior Fall 2010 Ad Campaign

 

In this next Dior image, we see a total transformation with the use of simple additions and alternate colors of identical items.

The Dior heavy, layered leather cape hides most of the diaphanous ruffles of the soft pink blouse that make up most of the soft femininity of the look. There is also practically no skin showing, aside from that which is covered by black stockings. This is done to minimize exposure and create protection with tough clothing. Therefore, she is no longer the naive dreamy and vulnerable Karlie in the last photo; rather a strong, bold aggressor.

Karlie’s body is aimed in the center, with her gaze and posture directly at the camera. As she looks upward and forward, her arms lead to claw-like hands; one of which grips a slouchy bag. The bag also has horizontal folds that could be a result of Karlie’s thrashing Dior claws. Her open legs show a demanding sexuality in contrast with the insecure and prude pairing in the opposite photo. This is also magnified by the corner which splits as do her legs.

The customer may realize that the same pieces recur in different photos, while the Dior booties depict a commonality to associate the two images and persona. Thus, the advertising campaign addresses multiple types of women and suggests value and investment in its pieces.

Donna Karan Fall 2010 Ad Campaign

 

Donna Karan Fall 2010 Ad Campaign
Donna Karan Fall 2010 Ad Campaign

 

Donna Karan’s Fall 2010 ad campaign depicts a timeless beauty of the 1920’s remade into a modern femme fatale. The model is Karlie Kloss.

The angle of Karlie Kloss’ upward-facing gaze immediately depicts a devilish or femme fatale attitude. This image is exacerbated by the elbow length gloves. Made of leather and enveloping most of the arm, they represent an extension of the masculine. To balance this, the dress she is wearing is made of crushed or traditional velvet. The deep cut of the front of the dress also accentuates sex appeal as it is adjacent to the edgier gloves.

Background is the city lights blur together signifying action and movement.

 

Donna Karan Fall 2010 Ad Campaign
Donna Karan Fall 2010 Ad Campaign

 

The right side of Kloss’ face is dark and is right next to the fur caplet that moves to the lower left. Her lips are a deeper shade of classic red introducing a new brand of sex appeal to a traditional femininity. The Smokey brown shadows allow the depth and mystery of traditional black and ultimately lets the lip color take center stage. This effect draws the eye in a circular motion which focuses on the similarly constructed fur piece.

 

Donna Karan Fall 2010 Runway Look in Advertising Campaign
Donna Karan Fall 2010 Runway Look in Advertising Campaign

 

Gucci Fall 2010 Advertising Campaign

Gucci’s Fall 2010 Advertising Campaign presents a building conflict between wilderness and civilization.

 

Gucci Fall 2010 Advertising Campaign
Gucci Fall 2010 Advertising Campaign

 

Raquel Zimmermann’s hair is multi-colored and highlighted in thick “chunks.” Of the tan brown color scheme, gold is lightest; therefore the chain, logo and belt buckle shine against the background. The background is blue fading to aqua while the texture of the rocks conflicts with the Gucci fur coat.

Nikola Jovanovic’s facial expression is very hidden ; assuming a dark mysterious persona. Looking closely, the viewer notices that his gaze is averted from her directly.  The tailored and sleek look of his clothing is smooth, yet subtly powerful.

The theme or the scenario of the photo, photographed by Mert Al as and Marcus Piggott; is the contrast and introduction of nature and civilization. Since Raquel Zimmermann is wearing fur, it is safe to assume she is a “wild beast” or “creature.” Her pout also looks like she is howling like a lone wolf. Her hand is also very much like a claw and the texture of the bag is obviously an animal skin. This might be the prize or prey she caught as well as her sustenance. The parting of Zimmermann’s fingers also conveniently displays the Gucci logo while the shine of the jewelry combined with her hand’s lightness attracts the eye. The chain is also out of focus indicating movement, as if the bag was a recent catch. Her expression also indicates an air of pride because she is cocky of her catch.

Although slender, Nikola Jovanovic’s looming figure, which is omnipresent in the entire Gucci Fall 2010 Ad Campaign, stands in a position of the conquerer. He plays the role of explorer who has come upon something mythical and claims ownership, or at least attempts to. The sleek coat opens to reveal his proud chest and it resembles a cape reminiscent of British conquerors. It almost seems as if he is a voyeur, watching the wild animal revel in its natural habitat. He is deciding what strategy to take next…

Models: Raquel Zimmermann and Nikola Jovanovic
Photographers: Mert Al as and Marcus Piggott