Controversial Ads

A cheeky image from Gilly Hicks.
A cheeky image from Gilly Hicks.
Benetton continues to provoke in 2011 with a photoshopped image of President Obama kissing Venezuelan president
Hugo Chavez
Tom Ford is known for his sexy approach in his advertising.
Tom Ford raised eyebrows with his Gucci ad in 2004 showing the Gucci “G” shaved into model Carmen Cass’ pubic hair. It was photographed by Mario Testino.
Nicola Formichetti, Diesel’s creative director, created an image of a woman in a denim burka.
Mark Wahlberg (“Marky Mark”) in Calvin Klein Underwear ads was a conversation starter in 1992.
American Apparel has pushed the boundaries with sexy imagery.
Hunky guys and sexy girls have always played a role in Abercrombie & Fitch’s advertising. Here, an ad from 1998.
Kenneth Cole is known for his provocative ads.
Daffy’s straightjacket ad in 1992 was opposed by the mental illness community.
A 1992 Benetton ad featuring a man dying of AIDS is considered by many observers the most controversial ad in fashion history.
Linda Evangelista’s posing with Italian women for Kenar in 1991 was said to promote a negative connotation of Italian women.