tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245080822012-01-28T08:26:44.317-05:00A blog devoted to understanding the nature and effectiveness of sex in advertising.Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.comBlogger1071100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-62852914506135063062011-12-29T11:42:00.003-05:002011-12-29T11:57:38.503-05:00

At Cannes Lions this summer, Susanna Kempe, CEO of WGSN, predicted for 2013 that “overt sexualisation” will be out. She should know; WGSN is a leading trend analysis firm servicing the apparel and design industries. This global business spots macro-trends and seeks to keep clients “on trend” or at least ahead of the curve. Apparel and designer brands have long been at the forefront of sexual

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-30159628645336890082011-12-16T16:51:00.007-05:002011-12-16T17:27:37.424-05:00

Use with extreme caution. That's the advice of marketing researcher and consultant Bob Brecht in a recent post about sex in advertising. Dr. Brecht refers to industry research concluding that sexual appeals are effective at grabbing attention but tend to drain attention away from brand information. Rightly, he also makes the point that product relevance to sex is key to use of this emotional

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-26959276872420059962011-08-15T17:45:00.006-04:002011-08-21T13:15:18.554-04:00

Do monkeys respond to sex in advertising?That’s what a team of advertising professionals, market researchers and primatologists is seeking to discover. I attended a seminar at Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity where Elizabeth Kiehner and Keith Orwell did a marvelous job explaining their research project. I also learned that the test subjects, Capuchin monkeys, share up to 98% of human DNA.

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-69124076510690336862011-06-10T12:20:00.005-04:002011-06-10T12:38:58.796-04:00

A recent Adweek post proves that sex can be used to sell... computer virus protection? Well, the campaign hasn't sold much, yet, but two new ads for Webroot, a security software program, touch on ubiquitous email scans related to "sexy singles" and promises of "male enhancement." Both spots are subtle and humorous but resonate with anyone with an email account. The spots were created by TDA.

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-51187425189605301602011-05-23T19:04:00.013-04:002011-05-24T09:26:22.201-04:00

Fashion brands can justify employing sexy ads. The approach is especially relevant for a new denim brand with the name Obscene Jeans. Instead of selling jeans, however, its sexy online ad is designed to foster investor relations and sell shares.I noticed the accompanying ad for Obscene Jeans on my Google stock portfolio page. As viewers check the status of stocks in their watch list, they also

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-31330308470564357092011-04-27T16:38:00.008-04:002011-04-28T10:18:07.072-04:00

Want to look and feel sexier? Consider plastic surgery.According to a recent study published in 2011, this is the message physicians are increasingly using to promote cosmetic surgery. In fact, some of the most invasive procedures--breast augmentation and liposuction-- are more likely to include sex appeals compared to noninvasive procedures. The lead author and primary contributor was University

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-33896124425275014942011-03-07T04:50:00.005-05:002011-03-07T05:05:23.229-05:00

Will Dial “Magnetic” body wash for men enhance their sex lives? Not according to research by Consumer Reports. In its February 2011 issue, CR investigated Dial’s claim that the pheromone-infused wash would attract women. The scientist they interviewed said, “no way.” Dial joins a long line of male targeted soaps, deodorants and body sprays positioned as sexual enhancers. Think of brands such

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-70610522332481577772010-05-20T17:56:00.005-04:002010-05-20T18:17:55.392-04:00

Ad Age reports that an ad for abortion services will air May 24 after 10 PM. The ad is sponsored by Marie Stopes International, a sexual health charity. According to the Ad Age report and BBC, government regulators approved the spot, the first ever TV commercial for abortion services."To allow abortion providers to advertise on TV, as though they were no different from car companies or detergent

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-4203166433754055552010-04-14T10:39:00.004-04:002010-04-14T10:53:17.942-04:00

Since we're in the midst of a census, thought you would find this tobacco ad intriguing. The headline reads: "Should a gentleman offer a Tiparillo to a census taker?" Which begs the question, has anyone ever seen a census taker who even closely resembles the twins in the ad?Readers could mail in the coupon for a 1968 Tiparillo pin-up calendar featuring the twins and 11 other sexy shots. Otherwise

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-42092911651059194452010-02-26T22:49:00.005-05:002010-02-26T23:23:48.567-05:00

This direct response ad for Nocturnix, an insomnia supplement, recently running in Newsweek probably attracted a few eyeballs. It got our attention: An oversized closeup of a beautiful woman's face will stop traffic whether it has any connection to the product or not.A quick analysis of this ad's strategy, using a woman for decorative purposes, might bring our attention to the "beautiful is good"

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-44596857597624141072010-02-18T15:16:00.003-05:002010-02-18T16:05:25.692-05:00

Are you worried about your hair down there? Are you insecure about how it looks? No, these aren’t questions directed to women, but to men. Taking care of “hair down there” is typically a concern for women. Remember the recent Schick Quattro videos urging women to “mow the lawn?”But Gillette is tapping into the male landscaping theme. A comparison of two studies shows that since 2005 the

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-18806414006830968622010-02-08T20:00:00.010-05:002010-02-08T20:27:43.671-05:00

In the upcoming 2010 edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, the movie star Ashley Greene (of the "Twilight" series fame) will appear nude, in a sense.The young actress has stripped down to her birthday suit for a photo-shoot to feature prominently in the famous sports magazine, however it isn’t quite Playboy. No, Greene is sporting a bathing suit, a painted on bathing suit.The photo

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-61421457076854252092010-01-28T11:49:00.005-05:002010-01-28T12:38:56.130-05:00

Leave it to Spike, the network devoted to young adult males, to deliver on the sexiest spots of the past year. Spike.com lists the 10 sexiest ads of 2009. True to form, all of them are from a male perspective: lots of breasts, bikinis and girl-on-girl action. We see swimsuit supermodel Bar Refaeli in a revealing two piece, Pamela Anderson and another woman splashing each other with coffee creamer

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-14163013820530450502009-12-23T12:54:00.006-05:002009-12-23T13:33:52.483-05:00

In its "Fun & Games" section, CosmoGirl! recently featured a quiz game for its readers. The "Never Have I Ever: Romance Edition" asked girls to choose in a series one of two sexual behaviors they had engaged in. Once a selection was made, statistics would indicate each choice's popularity. Some of the more notable options included "dressed skimpier to impress a guy," "went skinny dipping," "had

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-16764642084777233092009-11-16T16:33:00.005-05:002009-11-16T17:01:47.683-05:00

Controversy is brewing about some sexually explicit posters hyping the Minnesota AIDS Walk. The organization is using skin to create awareness about the event, and headlines such as "How much will you raise?"The campaign also includes outtakes of the photo shoot that are posted on YouTube. The videos will probably raise as much if not more awareness than the posters.Brent Mackie's masters thesis

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-81638638188261566692009-11-12T15:57:00.004-05:002009-11-12T16:29:31.723-05:00

I missed the episode, but looks like Dan got entangled in a menage a trios in the most recent episode of "Gossip Girl." CW is hyping the episode with promos hearlding "OM3!" instead of it's usual "OMG."Ad Age's Brian Steinberg asks, "So why is it that whenever TV shows depict people engaging with multiple sexual partners (not particularly common, mind you, on ABC and the rest), the critics come

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-82906532434790512972009-09-09T15:13:00.003-04:002009-09-09T15:34:01.084-04:00

Wow.This extremely steamy AIDS awareness PSA featuring Adolf Hitler is almost too much to handle.I’m not alone: The spot is creating media attention and controversy among AIDS groups. The PSA, designed to make its splash during World AIDS Day (Dec. 1) reportedly will be aired in Germany after 9 PM because of its sexual content. The campaign—which also contains posters of Saddam Hussain and Josef

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-89968099982185202972009-07-25T19:28:00.004-04:002009-07-25T19:55:46.513-04:00

...it may not play in the States." That's the latest reaction to the accompanying Burger King ad for the "Super Seven Incher" meal deal that ran in Singapore. Not to disappoint my subliminal friends, but the ad's sexual meaning is clearly evident. Burger King has been attractive negative attention for its viral Whopper Virgin campaign, and well as "square pants" commercials. Mainstream media and

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-73627927882495643542009-06-28T11:47:00.005-04:002009-06-28T12:20:52.038-04:00

That's the question puzzling Athenians recently as they leave downtown. A second question quickly follows: "And what does she (and what's she's doing) have to do with a credit union?"Credit Flagpole's Chris Hassiotis with the picture and printing both questions in the June 10 issue. Answer #1: A woman looking for change in her dryer. Answer #2: Well, the credit union's VP of marketing said it was

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-2840411761179819932009-06-10T15:17:00.002-04:002009-06-10T15:19:52.384-04:00

In a recent posting I noted the trend toward increasing enrollment during sluggish economic times appears to be limited to physically attractive people. Recent ads for graduate schools are featuring students with big smiles, tans and tight tops. Are these model actual students or are the staffs of university public affairs departments borrowing a page from product advertising? The models in ads

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-27161478622676746872009-06-08T16:25:00.006-04:002009-06-08T16:42:09.954-04:00

Armani Exchange is leaving no male backside covered in its Summer 2009 campaign. More important, those who what to surround themselves with these images can download them to their computers and mobile devices as screensavers, icons, wallpaper and badges.Imagine slightly more European models in Abercrombie catalogs and you have the AX campaign. Instead of just boys romping together, this time the

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-8876964598926079502009-06-05T13:09:00.004-04:002009-06-05T13:15:28.985-04:00

Sales of off-the-shelf “sexual accessories” are selling extremely well, even during the recession, reports Advertising Age’s Jack Neff. Personal lubricant sales increased 32% in Q1-09, led by Johnson & Johnson’s K-Y “Yours and Mine” line, and K-Y “Intense,” the “first major mass-market female-arousal gel” (available at Wal-Mart).In addition, sales are up 74% year-over-year for “sexual-enhancement

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-4442392167189503752009-05-19T11:32:00.006-04:002009-05-19T11:59:59.689-04:00

"Never feel untidy, just spruce up your Aphrodite!" chirps a blonde Stepford-wife clone in this new ad by Wilkinson Sword for its Schick Quattro for Women Bikini razor.The world of this promotional video is populated with gorgeous women enthusiastically trimming bushes and mowing lawns accompanied by a group sing-along (apparently yard work has never been so much fun). Of particular interest is

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-25263640507206439552009-04-21T17:11:00.006-04:002009-04-21T17:24:51.810-04:00

The online "relationship" site, Ashley Madison, continues to advertise it's promise for a hush-hush affair. The accompanying online ad brandishes a seal with its "100% Guarentee:" If you don't have an affair within the first three months [see fine print here] the site will refund your $249. Talk about a unique positioning strategy among online dating services, Ashley Madison only caters to men

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-9753209538781619812009-04-20T12:52:00.005-04:002009-04-21T17:09:50.595-04:00

A recent banner ad for a legitimate online dating service appears to promise salacious images of local singles. As visible in the accompanying ad, the True.com banner features a visual of an attractive woman on her back looking suggestively at he viewer. Simply click to see more.True.com positions itself as an "online relationship service" that offers a safer and more secure matchmaking

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-16105884220846871362009-04-10T14:16:00.005-04:002009-04-21T17:11:05.234-04:00

Who says sex in advertising is a recent phenomenon? Consider this 1874 vintage ad for suspenders with "metallic ends." The tongue-in-cheek message appears to be that women will be better able to use them to escape papa, thus joining you for a midnight rendevous. If you don't by that appeal than her low-cut bodice may be the true attention getting device in the ad. Although 50 years later, this ad

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-60781795169127564922009-04-07T14:30:00.005-04:002009-04-08T10:41:12.722-04:00

We talk quite a bit about contemporary safe sex and social marketing campaigns that address sexual issues. Many recent campaigns contain sexual imagery or the subtle interplay of text and image that contributes to sexual meaning. Compare that to this 1919 outdoor ad that appeared in New Jersy [click here to see the billboard]. Imagine passing this message heading south for the family vacation

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-66166226802864302632009-02-23T11:32:00.005-05:002009-02-23T12:08:22.157-05:00

The Academy Awards show is the second largest advertising event after the Super Bowl. Over 32 million U.S. viewers tuned in this year to see the spectacle: Hugh Jackman, People magazine’s Sexiest Person of 2008, introducing beautiful actors looking their best. For this reason alone, the 2009 Oscars deserve a peak to seek if its advertisers utilized sex appeal to market their products.Unlike the

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-62218156792127952582009-02-10T14:41:00.005-05:002009-02-10T15:13:31.974-05:00

A major seller sure to be on newsstands at least a month, Sports Illustrated today released its annual Swimsuit Edition. The issue is SI's largest and most widely read (last year's edition garnered 66 million readers).Knowing that readers are as into the cover story as much as sports, advertisers are more likely to position their products with sexual content. Those in the 2008 issue to do so

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-19444501531553254812009-02-06T13:37:00.006-05:002009-02-06T13:53:10.571-05:00

A reader brought this ad to our attention. It's certainly innocent at surface level but subliminal enthusiasts would see much more. The ad appeared on the backs of busses before the recent Wellington (NZ) Cup Carnival sponsored by Century City Developments. Perhaps the headline, "Are you ready for a good time," might trigger a sexual interpretation of the accompanying image. Priming theory

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-72592576477728529052009-02-02T16:17:00.003-05:002009-02-02T17:04:34.203-05:00

Sour economic times lead to less tolerance for gratuitous sex appeals in advertising. That’s the conjecture from some Russian sociologists. Judging from this year’s Super Bowl, I would have to agree. Compared to 2008 (see a rundown of last year’s sexiest ads), this year’s spots are much more subdued both in terms of number and explicitness of sexual ads. Overall, my team noted only two clear

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-49776365361665557642009-01-30T15:27:00.006-05:002009-01-30T15:50:24.247-05:00

This Goldstar ad, and others like it, have been making the rounds. One of my students sent it to me because the ads are humorous and accurate... and "kind of go along with 'sex in advertising.'" While certainly deemed sexist in some quarters the ads do evoke a knowing nod. From what I've seen the ads are credited to McCann-Erickson, Tel Aviv, and can be found in pub/club bathroom stalls and

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-91737941674285615592009-01-30T11:35:00.005-05:002009-01-30T11:56:44.140-05:00

As posted by David Kiefaber at Adfreak, Canadian viewers of this year's Super Bowl will not see a spot for AshleyMadison.com, the online dating service for married people seeking affairs. As Kiefaber notes, the spot is fairly tame. But what Ashley Madison represents is likely the issue. Click here to see the firm's related media efforts. Reportedly, a print ad in the NFL game program was rejected

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-90000687182988243912009-01-27T16:56:00.007-05:002009-01-27T17:15:57.956-05:00

Victoria's Secret and GoDaddy aren't the only marketers pushing the limits on Super Bowl advertising. NBC rejected (no surprise here) PETA's commercial "Veggie Love." The spot features beautiful women undressing while getting especially close to their vegetables (definitely a twist on "veggie tales"). The message is that vegetables are good for you which means you'll have more love to give. One

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-49084755130195045242009-01-20T17:23:00.004-05:002009-01-20T17:29:06.725-05:00

Adrants reports that Jim Beam is hosting a new contest to update its "The Girlfriend" spot. A perfect girlfriend is attractive and doesn't care about flowers, endless hours of football, strip-club visits, fat, hairy backs, etc. Enthusiasts are encouraged to upload their versions of the perfect girlfriend for $25k and a trip to Vegas; how appropriate.

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-57900911517058243952009-01-14T16:12:00.005-05:002009-01-14T16:22:32.581-05:00

To highlight its “Vintage Victoria” efforts, Victoria’s Secret is once again offering the ultimate in sales promotion—a “free panty.” Brochures with coupons were recently direct mailed to past customers. No purchase is necessary and customers can also get $10 off a new bra.Sales promotion, such as coupons, sweepstakes, and free stuff, is designed to stimulate action; to move merchandise. These

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-65947182825009533562009-01-07T12:34:00.005-05:002009-01-07T12:48:58.653-05:00

This ad for Joe's Seafood, Prime Rib, and Stone Crab implies a bold claim, but I'm still trying to figure it out. "When you've only got one shot" is the headline. I'm posting the ad because the implicit message appears to be something along the lines of "Hey, if you're a Tony Soprano-type guy doing lots of business on your phone, Joe's is the place when in Vegas and Chicago to pick up women." So

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-90458702560766885312008-12-31T15:25:00.006-05:002009-01-07T12:21:32.885-05:00

"Our grad program is replete with good-looking students."That is the message in recent educational ads published in Newsweek. Sure, attractive models adorn products in ads from hairspray, to autos, to softdrinks, but apparently they are making their way into ads for higher learning. One wonders if the woman in the UTEP MBA ad is a current student, a model, or the type of person the program would

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-83131055559201439032008-12-23T11:16:00.003-05:002008-12-23T12:14:43.080-05:00

Ben, one of our esteemed alums, sent me a link to this Arby's fast food commercial where the fast food marketer plays a central role in a husband/wife roleplay fantasy. It's the one where she dresses as an Arby's employee to serve her husband an Arby's combo.A quick search reveals that the "Birthday" spot shows up on several family blogs with comments like: "I totally see me and Barry doing this,

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-48315553702054937882008-12-19T11:15:00.004-05:002008-12-19T11:28:00.640-05:00

Haven't seen the movie but here is the poster for Zombie Strippers (2008). Starring Jenna Jameson and Robert Englund, the film's plot revolves around an escaped retrovirus that infects strippers in a Nebraska nightclub. Infection can kill, technically, but also make one a "super zombie stripper" (which results in better tips). Do the women succumb to the temptation? You get the drift.

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-25011619180845326852008-12-19T09:52:00.008-05:002008-12-19T11:00:22.060-05:00

Axe is dangling tantalizing trips to European cities to get college men to funnel their buddies to an Axe Facebook page.Axe is touting weeklong grand prize excursions to Rome, Paris, and Madrid as tongue-in-cheek "Study Abroad"opportunities. A quarter page ad in Univerity of Georgia's Red & Black directs men to the contest's website. The ad features pictures of young beauties and the promise of "

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-92083501288246737622008-12-08T14:20:00.003-05:002008-12-08T14:31:10.888-05:00

As a Verizon customer, I’m surprised to see it partnering with Maxim to promote its “girl of the month.”Verizon, a Fortune 500 company, promotes itself as “family friendly” with dependable and reliable service. Its Foundation seeks to foster education, health, safety, and literacy—with links to videos about domestic violence prevention.But here Verizon is promoting wireless services with promises

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-35541853637821642502008-12-03T21:19:00.004-05:002008-12-03T22:05:15.729-05:00

A Belgian agency recently won an award for best non-profit ad by putting a sexy twist on a topic known to be a conversation killer.Duval Guillaume, a 200-person outfit, produced "Reborn to be Alive" campaign to get people talking about organ donation and to make them aware that in Belgium one needs to sign up (opt-in) to be a donor.Similarly in the U.S., states require you to "opt-in" to become

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-64793508564734398352008-11-07T15:06:00.003-05:002008-11-07T15:21:11.391-05:00

Brent Mackie believes so. He should know; he conducted an exhaustive literature review on the subject and interviewed HIV-campaign producers and audience members to complete his thesis, “Selling Safe Smut…” Mackie recently earned his MA at University of NSW, National Centre in HIV Social Research.Specifically, he found that explicit language and imagery are often used to promote safe sex

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-50296063195433303972008-10-21T22:02:00.006-04:002008-10-21T22:16:38.475-04:00

Just what we need, more “Rock of Love” from VH1. This time the women aren’t vying to be Bret Michaels’ rock pet but, with the help of Headmistress Sharon Osbourne, cleaning up their act, learning manners and trying to ditch their “rebellious” ways. Note the full-page promo pitching "Charm School" that recently appeared in People. Osbourne threatens to paddle “bad” contestants dressed in

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-38750838875246482282008-09-26T11:49:00.008-04:002008-09-26T12:08:47.834-04:00

Here’s a vintage ad that borders on believability. This Muriel cigar ad is intriguing for several reasons, some of which I’ll let you decode. But essentially Muriel is arguing that smoke from its flavored cigars (blueberry, burgundy, grape, cherry, etc.) has the power to subdue attractive women—just exhale in their face. White Owl CigarsI’m reminded of an infamous 1930s campaign for White Owl

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-122603533884313652008-09-16T17:38:00.006-04:002008-10-01T16:02:10.304-04:00

Image the following scenario: A single women, popcorn in-hand, is watching her favorite romantic comedy. The woman, longing for her own personal George Clooney to appear and sweep her off her feet, gazes enviously at the film’s happy lovers, when a Pepperidge Farm spot flashes on the screen. Finally it clicks: That’s what’s missing—love AND cookies.A similar scenario may be playing out in this

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-53065377300781150282008-09-12T17:03:00.004-04:002008-09-12T17:20:29.567-04:00

CNN recently reported that a 21-year-old Sacramento State U student is selling her virginity. Natalie Dylan is promoting herself via Dennis Hof's "World Famous" Bunny Ranch. Her motivation? To earn enough to not work while earning a masters degree in, of all things, marriage and family development. Her promotional efforts landed her an interview on "The Howard Stern Show," local news exposure in

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-23333846278868472902008-08-21T17:13:00.004-04:002008-08-21T17:16:51.309-04:00

Anyone watching the Beijing Olympics is sure to catch a glimpse of a network promo for bikini-clad U.S. beach volleyball duo Misty May and Kerri Walsh. Both grabbed national attention in the 2004 Olympics for their physiques and athleticism.In a recent article and book chapter, University of Alabama researchers Kim Bissell and Andrea Duke researched the network coverage of 2004 Olympic beach

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-27648584444528312262008-08-04T13:19:00.005-04:002008-08-04T13:37:35.209-04:00

A recent ad in Newsweek visually touts a sex-related benefit of earplugs: Earplugs bring you "together." "Mack's Earplugs saved our marriage." Hence the appeal, "by this, get this..." Jacque Lambiase and I have been writing about the use of sex as a brand promise. When using this approach, only about 20% of the time do advertisers explicit state that sex is an outcome. More often, like in the

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-50311413700921350122008-07-24T11:54:00.004-04:002008-07-24T12:04:08.458-04:00

A fairly common assumption is that sex is used to sell sex-related products, right? Like perfume, clothing, or even jewelry.But cereal?My eyes did a double flip at the new campaign for Post’s Shredded Wheat. I have to admit, sex is not the first thing that comes to mind with thinking about healthy, fibrous cereal.Satisfy those urgesPost is obviously seeking to empower women by saying “you don’t

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-57659758578878564112008-07-14T12:03:00.004-04:002008-07-14T12:17:46.321-04:00

This recent ad for Benefit’s thrrrob face powder caught my attention as I was looking for an example of sex in advertising and flipping through a recent Cosmo.The ad qualifies as a fairly conventional example of sex in advertising: It contains implied nudity and voyeurism. But more interestingly, the ad contains a thinly veiled sexual referent.My heart is thrrrobingFor starters, the name of this

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-53257515256708704582008-06-26T13:35:00.004-04:002008-06-26T13:49:11.384-04:00

A recent ad for Cartier’s new Leve bracelet has a sexual feel, but not from the types of sexual content typically found in magazine advertising; as the ad contains no physically attractive models, no nudity, and no sexual behavior. At a higher level of processing, however, one could argue that the ad is fraught with sexual referents (allusions to objects with sexual meaning) and embeds (content

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-389929296418148822008-06-24T09:43:00.003-04:002008-06-24T09:48:22.697-04:00

“Only sexy supermodels fly with us.” That’s the impression one gets from a recent Korean Airlines commercial designed especially for audiences in the U.S.Incorporating “high brow” images ranging from partially nude women to sexual innuendo, the Korean Air spot looks more like a high profile, risqué perfume ad rather than an airline commercial. Instead of scenes showing off its fleet or multitude

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-80040257460045776692008-06-17T10:30:00.004-04:002008-06-17T10:41:29.931-04:00

My assignment was to locate an example of sex in advertising. I found one in a very unlikely place.In the May 2008 edition of Family Fun magazine there appears an ad in the “got milk” campaign featuring Brooke Shields. (I chose this magazine assuming that the sexual content would be presumably light, if present at all.) Shields appears in a black leotard positioned in a flexible posture with her

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-68751792109237292082008-05-21T15:41:00.005-04:002008-05-21T15:57:16.700-04:00

“Hi, I’m a larger-than-life, bikini-clad, point-of-purchase display.“I’m just hanging out with three of my friends at the end of aisles in a convenience store somewhere in rural Oklahoma.“We’re here to increase Bud sales. At least that’s what I was led to believe.”Good question: Do sexy POP displays have any influence on sales?My guess is “yes.” I find it difficult to believe that this truly

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-65687412260781429782008-05-08T11:39:00.004-04:002008-05-08T12:29:11.974-04:00

I just discovered this Lacoste faux Playgirl pose in a 2003 issue of Esquire while working on a content analysis... and I'm still trying to figure it out.These days good-looking male models are the norm in men's style magazines. And there is partial nudity; think Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabanna. But this image has the feel of a 1970's Burt Reynolds layout in Playgirl magazine (see him here in a

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-87996555002789176092008-05-01T14:02:00.004-04:002008-05-01T14:37:00.011-04:00

Behold the latest Vassarette ad. It appeared in a recent issue of Redbook.Earlier this decade Vassarette attempted to reposition itself as “sexy” with some smart ads designed by The Martin Agency. I’m not sure, however, if they were able to shake their department store, white/beige “basics” image. The Martin Agency’s ads lasted only a couple of years.A Cross Between VS and WonderbraThe current

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-57809931273198041372008-04-25T11:22:00.007-04:002008-04-25T13:04:09.196-04:00

You may have seen one of the recent network promos for CW's "Gossip Girl." We did; me and my three-year-old son. The promos were hyping interest in "Gossip Girl" newest show since the writer's strike. It premiered Monday, April 21.The promo aired about 3 pm on Oxygen network. It definitely caught our attention. As Brian Sternberg of Advertising Age noted, the promo "feature[s] Serena, Nate and

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-56688515745387973232008-04-03T15:30:00.007-04:002008-04-03T15:57:10.387-04:00

Is the arbiter of “What is sexy?” too sexy?“Yes,” say Victoria’s Secret executives. In a recent article, VS President and CEO Sharen Turney, told analysts that the lingerie marketer’s slowing sales are attributed to (1) being “too sexy” and (2) neglecting women in their 20s and 30s.I read this article as I was finishing Marty Neumeier’s book The Brand Gap (New Riders, 2006). It’s a good read

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-63408847494605504252008-03-08T14:00:00.008-05:002008-03-08T14:10:15.870-05:00

Jenna Jameson, lip gloss, and... chili beans? Several posts this week reveal the lurid—and sadly humorous—side of advertising.Breaking March 10, (former?) porn star Jenna Jameson will be modeling a “pleather” bikini in a PETA campaign. Also breaking this week, Hanes is debuting its “wedgie free” panty campaign on Tuesday’s American Idol. Speaking of underwear, a few voyeuristic shots are

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-91395968954991280872008-03-05T16:24:00.007-05:002008-03-05T16:39:13.494-05:00

How much sex is there in commercials aired on network television? Not much according to a recent article published in 2007 by Amir Hetsroni in the journal Sex Roles.Hetsroni conducted a content analysis of prime-time commercials aired on the major broadcast networks in both the US and Israel. He analyzed approximately 1,700 commercials from each country. He reported that sexual conduct existed in

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-28086449309588037952008-02-25T11:01:00.006-05:002008-02-25T16:27:19.332-05:00

Red carpet. Gorgeous celebrities. Skimpy gowns. The Academy Awards presentation showcases the glitz and glamour of our entertainment industry. As the second leading TV event of the year, it’s intriguing to see which advertisers—if any at all—use sexual appeals to speak to the 40 million or so (mostly females) who tune in to the event.Not to be disappointed, sexual content was present among the

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-39205710782689656122008-02-22T11:54:00.004-05:002008-02-22T12:07:19.258-05:00

Stay-tuned for our ranking of the sexiest ads of the "Super Bowl for women." Sunday's telecast of the Academy Awards typically represents the second largest television event of the season. Last year approximately 40 million tuned in (60% women) which is a "mega" turnout in today's fragmented media world.According to Ad Age's Brian Steinberg, this year's advertisers include: Coca-Cola, P&G,

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-1834521265093652122008-02-18T09:42:00.004-05:002008-02-18T10:03:58.901-05:00

Now you can. Grab your camera and photograph Daniella Sarahyba at one of several beach locations: Governor's Beach, Rum Point, or Smith's Cove. "Are you the new photographer?" she asks.Taco Bell created the tie-in with Sports Illustrated to coincide with the massively popular 2008 Swimsuit edition. According to Marketing Vox, the site--DirectDaniella.com--is being promoted with online ads at

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-88388586670272948542008-02-14T12:41:00.011-05:002008-02-14T14:16:22.094-05:00

In its February 2008 issue, Playboy ranked the 21 sexiest commercials of all time. Previously reported by Adrants, you can still view and vote online for the sexiest of the lot. The commercials they've chosen range from recent commercials starring Paris Hilton (Carl's Jr.), Britney Spears (fragrance), and Axe (bom-chicka-wah-wah) to early spots with Gunilla Knutson (Noxzema, 1967), Dodge (Charger

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-49178188670159126132008-02-13T16:27:00.006-05:002008-02-13T16:56:30.545-05:00

A Valentine's spot for UK intimate wear/toy marketer Ann Summers puts a twist on Santa's workshop. Three lingerie-clad models deliver gifts made of "wood" to unsuspecting men, followed by a shot of the women crafting additional "toys" in their workshop (Adland). The spot--obviously too suggestive for TV--is a viral video that creates attention and awareness as it spreads across the web. The

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-25898180304221330362008-02-04T10:26:00.000-05:002008-02-04T10:52:37.353-05:00

Although the finale for Super Bowl XLII was a surprise, it was no surprise that sexual content made its way into several of this year’s commercials. Overall, the ads were tame compared to previous years as only a handful of sexy ads were broadcast. Here is our list of the five sexiest Super Bowl ads in 2008 plus an honorable mention. View all the Super Bowl ads at USA Today, AOL, or YouTube, and

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-88196353559572475932008-01-31T21:44:00.000-05:002008-01-31T21:57:21.892-05:00

According to Ad Age and many news sites, Victoria’s Secret will be airing it’s first Super Bowl ad since 1999. Can it have been that long?Like many people, I still remember VS’s first commercial during the big game. That spot, described by Adweek’s Barbara Lippert as containing plenty of “jiggle,” beckoned viewers to the lingerie marketer’s website for its first ever online “fashion” show. Eager

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-26605244167651577872007-12-11T16:51:00.000-05:002007-12-12T08:35:25.151-05:00

Imagine your kids seeing billboards like this every morning on their way to school. Images like the one on the left for Studio 54 were the genesis for one viewer, and UNLV professor, to write about them in the latest issue of Journal of Promotion Management. Erika Engstrom, a professor in UNLV's Greenspun College, describes in her article a few of the sexually provocative billboards promoting Las

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-20681243228007889632007-12-04T23:07:00.000-05:002007-12-04T23:49:56.633-05:00

A crooning Seal was the highlight of tonight's six annual Victoria's Secret fashion show aired on CBS. The program's finale featured Seal on the catwalk serenading the VS supermodels with his single "Amazing" as they showed off this season's "lingerie."Who would've traded places with Seal several years ago when he was showcased on an episode of VH1's "Where are they now?" Today, he's back on

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-30462095137129886162007-11-29T17:01:00.000-05:002007-11-29T19:43:11.400-05:00

Many young people are surprised that sex in advertising has been around the block once or twice. Reflecting the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s, advertising followed suit with commercials on network television that would make today’s audiences blush. Thanks to YouTube, some of advertising’s hidden gems are once again available for viewing.Surfing YouTube, I was surprised to discover that

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-36497411336504237132007-11-21T13:18:00.000-05:002007-11-21T13:21:45.032-05:00

Women perusing the Impression catalog may ask themselves that very question. One of our recent grads discovered the images as she explored the designer brand’s website. The male model is unclothed in several shots. The images caught her attention because you rarely see male nudity in ads for wedding gowns. And in fashion ads with nudity, the roles are always reversed. Unless women are offended,

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-66155576645552347362007-11-20T14:02:00.000-05:002007-11-20T14:20:41.013-05:00

"Bait and switch" is the manipulative ad tactic of luring customers with unstocked merchadised so they can be up-sold more expensive options. In a recent post, Chris Boulton, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, likened Porn Nation's promotional tactics to the good ol' "bait & switch" routine.Porn Nation is an organization marketing campus speaking tours about pornography. One event is billed "

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-54721054915694551132007-11-20T13:22:00.000-05:002007-11-20T13:30:51.721-05:00

Sensual backs and bellies in ads may surprise some students and youths in the Athens area. Posted in the bathrooms of local restaurants and bars, these ads aren’t selling products, but are generating awareness for pro-social causes.Safe Campuses Now, an Athens-based, non-profit organization that advocates crime awareness, prevention, and education for high school and college students, is

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-52418509784332086372007-10-27T12:13:00.000-04:002007-10-27T12:23:09.220-04:00

With celebrity fascination at an all-time high, it is no wonder that celebs capitalize on their fame in the form of fashion, cosmetics and perfume licensing deals. Celebrity fragrances, in particular, are on the rise with more than 30 scents launched last year, according to Marketing’s Jemima Bokaie.This fall, sex was used to position two new celebrity fragrances: Sean “Diddy” Combs’ “

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-69376241402931894752007-10-17T17:35:00.000-04:002007-10-17T18:06:59.004-04:00

A recent analysis revealed that 17% of prime-time commercials airing on the five major U.S. networks contained some form of sexual information (images/words). However, sex was the primary theme only in a little over 9% of the spots. The analysis consisted of one week (M-F) during the prime-time time slot (8-11 PM, EST) in May 2007.Over 2,400 commercials were coded for the presence and nature of

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-52837995143483232332007-10-17T08:56:00.000-04:002007-10-17T09:04:14.259-04:00

At least one student at the University of Georgia was offended by a risqué Armani underwear insert appearing in the campus newspaper, The Red & Black. The insert, which shows an Adonis—tanned, chiseled and trim—in a pair of bikini briefs, prompted a male student to write a letter to the editor.“Not only did this ad embarrass me,” he said, “but it made me…very self-conscious of my own appearance

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-25217617502366216962007-09-18T09:20:00.000-04:002007-09-19T09:26:49.612-04:00

There is a lot of buzz surrounding the sexually provocative ads heralding Tom Ford's fragrance for men. More provocative is the website flash presentation of the fragrance bottle strategically placed around a women's breasts and groin (there's as much buzz about the model's shaved pubic region).The approach is not surprising given Ford's history with designer brands. He was creative director for

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-64607705475675934282007-08-29T17:11:00.000-04:002007-08-29T17:33:02.613-04:00

Skin can be used to sell more than branded goods as this Multiple Sclerosis public service announcement from Australia demonstrates. It features a nude female with “used by” printed on various parts of her body. Similar approaches have been used to promote skin cancer prevention and breast cancer research among other causes.Nudity gets the ad noticed and the connection helps to get the message

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-73515765822217279252007-08-24T17:19:00.000-04:002007-08-24T17:33:57.588-04:00

A new study shows that seniors are more sexually active, both mentally and physically, than previously thought. That might explain the approach for this Cenegenics ad that ran this summer in USA Today and various in-flight magazines.The ad touts Cenegenics, a multifaceted weight-loss program, with before-and-after pics of Dr. Jeffry Life, a 67-year-old physician. Readers are naturally drawn to

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-23144036814011524002007-07-25T09:27:00.001-04:002007-07-25T09:51:13.357-04:00

Viagra's lastest spot, "Viva Viagra," appeared on last night's broadcast of NBC Nightly News. The commercial features a six-man band in a barn singing about the benefits of the erectile dysfunction drug. The approach is a departure from the controversial pills-as-devil-horns campaign, but, as Tim Nudd suggests, the new spot doesn't quite ring true.Advertising anything directly related to sex is

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-10207220080368936182007-07-10T10:35:00.001-04:002007-07-10T11:01:45.233-04:00

Reports are that Durex out of Australia is running ads "in search of" condom testers. Interested parties are encouraged to register on Durex's website for the young man's ultimate "bragging rights" job: "Hmm... sounds like you had a great internship but guess what I did last summer?"A look at the website reveals that the opportunity probably has more to do with a viral (of the internet variety)

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-30222735708742284732007-07-10T10:11:00.000-04:002007-07-10T10:30:52.314-04:00

Naked rear ends are showing up with increasing regularity in Times Square and Manahattan. Toto, a toilet marketer, is introducing its heated toilet seat/bidet hybrid, the "Washlet," to US audiences with a campaign featuring images of happy faces superimposed on butt cheeks. Quite popular globally, Americans have been slow to embrace "water cleansing."A recent Adfreak post noted that a clergyman

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-21945376602315110462007-07-08T08:03:00.000-04:002007-07-08T08:21:03.952-04:00

Viral videos, posting one’s commercial on YouTube or other sties, is a way to garner extra exposure for one’s company and sexually themed messages past network standards boards. Two such instances surfaced recently. Axe posted clips of women auditioning for its spots: “Bow chicka wha wha.” Axe is garnering extra exposure with the enticing videos, which in most instances would be left on the

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-2725757777781886612007-07-05T07:32:00.000-04:002007-08-31T09:29:47.159-04:00

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-53898241440172740032007-07-03T10:25:00.000-04:002007-07-03T10:48:38.797-04:00

Get a load of this commercial. Adfreak features an Austrialian spot showcasing a pole-dancing mom who curbs her cravings for a poultry restaurant (Nandos) with chewing gum. The Nandos patch was interferring with profits so she turned to a form of "nicoderm" for chicken pangs. Quite the approach for a family restaurant. I can't image this commercial running in the States. It clearly demonstrates

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-1713372993916527072007-06-26T17:21:00.000-04:002007-06-26T17:48:39.607-04:00

Although the outside is understated—there is no heralding signage, one shouldn’t be fooled. What lies within this Seventh Avenue restaurant is a male tropical paradise—the Hawaiian Tropic Zone.I’m in town to moderate a panel on sex and decency in advertising hosted by the International Advertising Association. My hosts thought HTZ was the perfect place for dinner to set the tone for the following

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-79715004306539998582007-06-09T13:06:00.001-04:002007-06-09T13:18:27.545-04:00

What is it about online gambling sites that advertise with sex? For one, “sex” consists of images of scantily-clad nubile women like the one in the accompanying MySportsBook.com button, and the target audience consists of men. So these ads might simply be a case of attracting eyeballs.However, the ads might be appealing not just to men in general, but especially so for those who seek the

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-67632001455524489002007-06-06T22:44:00.000-04:002007-06-06T23:19:36.040-04:00

Lindsay Lohan, recently admitted to rehab for the second time, will be featured in fall 2007 ads for designer Jill Stuart. Sexually, the images of Lohan are rather middle-of-the-road considering they are designer ads, but Lohan’s recent trysts and bad-girl behavior add a “rich, party-girl” flavor to the campaign.For example, Lohan was mentioned in today’s USA Today cover story about the trials

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-64044916431707385212007-03-08T22:33:00.000-05:002007-03-09T13:44:04.276-05:00

You may have seen an ad from this campaign. I first came across these PSAs on a sports site such as ESPN. Estimates are that 2 million children are “enslaved” in the sex trade. The PSAs, in my opinion, do an excellent job raising awareness of a very serious problem. The ads (and website) attempt to communicate that “sex tourism”—traveling to a country with the singular purpose of having sex with

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-42782849444085118752007-03-07T11:53:00.000-05:002007-03-07T12:10:35.413-05:00

A recent magazine ad by Dolce & Gabbana is being pulled by the design house after protests that the ad depicts a rape scene. As evident in the image, a man is holding a woman down as four other men wait their turn. The creators of the ad, Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, claim to be surprised by the protests, and said that their intention was to portray a sexual fantasy: “recall an erotic

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-35187461183057352622007-02-23T16:30:00.000-05:002007-02-23T16:41:37.470-05:00

As the temperature rises so does interest in a recent ad in the Red & Black, University of Georgia’s campus newspaper. In the half-page ad, viewers are told to “Keep it clean”—a mocking reference to “Keep your mind out of the gutter.” The image is obviously designed to be sexual and, for young men, a link to Red Zone’s sexual campaigns of the past few years. Red Zone, a P&G brand, swiftly aped

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-18021878701647072982007-02-15T22:27:00.000-05:002007-02-15T22:53:31.309-05:00

Svedka may be forced through internal pressure to alter its successful sexual branding strategy. A recent Advertising Age article reported that Constellation Brands, a “pillar” of DISCUS (Distilled Spirits Council of the United States), is buying Svedka and may put pressure on the brand to clean up its notoriously sexual approach.At the liquor store one evening I noticed a Svedka

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-18655507074629809472007-02-14T00:03:00.000-05:002007-03-09T13:42:42.671-05:00

For many men, especially the ones most likely to see the accompanying banner ad, the choice may have been a tough one. The ad appeared—in various forms—on a premier fantasy sports site (rotoworld.com) during the 2006 baseball season. Although I didn’t click-through, I suspect the link was to a market research firm looking to trade (an “opportunity” for) laptops for personal information and

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-52795502854783476162006-12-30T13:20:00.000-05:002006-12-30T13:31:05.475-05:00

My wife and I were watching ESPN the other night when a very sexy 30-second commercial aired for Giorgio Armani’s Acqua di Gio. Filmed in partial septia-tones, the spot features a shirtless muscular male looking straight into the camera. Seawater and perspiration are dripping down his torso.“Why is that ad running on ESPN?” my wife asked. “Good question,” I thought to myself. The spot is very

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-63873871562631849932006-12-21T17:08:00.000-05:002006-12-22T13:03:16.768-05:00

Only 6.8 million tuned in to watch the fifth annual VS fashion show on CBS this year. That is down from 9 million last year and 12.4 million in 2001. Washington Post writer Lisa de Moraes blamed the anemic showing on too much chatter from the models themselves: "If you can't get 18-to-34-year-old guys to watch an hour of gorgeous young women prancing about in virtually nothing except the

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-90591134818975315392006-12-14T08:54:00.000-05:002007-03-07T12:15:19.312-05:00

Just in time for the holidays, Dolce & Gabbana, the Italian design house, is running a new commercial in the US for its watch collection. Known for its sexually provocative print ads, D&G’s watch spot doesn’t disappoint. According to one viewer, the commercial is “basically a montage of camera angles and situations that get more and more sexualized.” With a Euro club-scene feel, the ad features

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-8260768258956951972006-12-05T10:08:00.000-05:002006-12-05T10:24:58.272-05:00

Welcome to the world of sex-text promotion. I suppose 900 numbers are still around but judging from sexy advertising like this one in the back of FHM magazine, “live text” is the wave of the future.There are 14 text ads in the Jan/Feb 2007 FHM issue. The ads range from 1/9th page to full-page and each uses the same basic formula: Enticing images of women, a headline encourageing readers to flirt,

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24508082.post-46779459000075169002006-11-19T12:27:00.000-05:002006-11-19T22:50:56.316-05:00

“Dive. Dive.”It appears as if the standard order in submarine movies is being obeyed in this 1993 ad for U-boot watches. Shot by Helmut Newton, the ad appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald. According to UNLV marketing professor Michael LaTour and Old Dominion's John Ford, the ad created quite a stir when it ran. It’s easy to see why. A faceless man—insert your identity here—is touching the breast

Tom Reicherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755644439213412112noreply@blogger.com0