11 June 2012

Creepy perfume advertisement (1983)


For those who think the inappropriate sexualization of children in advertisements is a recent phenomenon, note these photos by Francesco Scavullo were published in Harper's Bazaar almost thirty years ago.

Via Sighs and Whispers, where there are two additional images.

9 comments:

  1. Very Creepy. On another point of interest the bottle in the right advertisement is a crystal L'air du Temps double dove perfume bottle produced by Lalique.

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    1. The original was described as an "editorial" rather than an advertisement, so that may be why products from different perfumers are depicted.

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  2. Well, for some of us, thirty years is "recent".

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  3. Also, I recall the "Love's Baby Soft" ads being like this, with the big-eyed, over-sexualized, over-madeup little girl. Love's Baby Soft was specifically marketed to young girls.

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  4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/twelvehearts/2584142219/ "because innocence is sexier than you think"

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  5. Two words leap to mind.... Brooke Shields.

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    1. Haha, I'd say that the lingering shot of Susan Sarandon's luscious tits completely redeems "Pretty Baby", when it comes to socially responsible, non-pervy sexuality and the otherwise rather exploitative whore house setting.

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  6. Sexualisation or merely beautification? Depends on what you yourself are perceiving in it, which is perhaps why some people's responses are so visceral. I just see a girl beautified.

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