Sexual Assualt Prevention and Awareness Center.

He’s Watching You

This advertisement eroticizes stalking, which is not only one of the most dangerous and deadly forms of sexual violence, but also one that is rarely taken seriously. In addition, by using an emaciated model that looks vulnerable and weak, DKNY demonstrates that it supports an unattainable standard of beauty characterized by extreme gauntness and female helplessness.

Here, Dolce & Gabbana is recreating an 18th century painting: the colors are dark and muted and the male models pose austerely with objects celebrating the science, art, and history of the Western world (busts, leather-bound books, pistols, armor, telescopes, chalices, fine furniture, framed by opulent architecture).  It is against this backdrop a thin, emotionless woman is propped—so pale she seems to glow—standing in stark contrast to the men behind her who don thick garments of leather, denim, and wool.  This ad drives home the notion that women are out of place in the Western historical context.  The frailty of her position and vulnerability in her shy attempt to cover herself complete the sexist nature of this ad.

This advertisement glamorizes lifelessness or emotionless in women in your advertisements. This is making dead or subhuman sexy and this can lead to a contribution to a rape culture that condones and promotes sexual assault, domestic violence, and other forms of violence against women. It also puts a woman in a subordinate position, giving the notion of power versus powerlessness, where the woman is without power.

Isaia Napoli pushes their clothing by pushing the issue of sexual abuse. This ad clearly shows the man in a position of power over the woman. He tries to forcibly kiss her as she turns her head away; the situation lacks consent. Not only this, but in the background a separate androgynous character watches as the dominating male forces unwanted sexual activity on the woman, without trying to stop the abuse, thus making it seem alright for the man to be doing this.

Kenzie Clothing portrays their models in a very childlike manner. They are dolled up in bobby socks with ruffles, ringlet curls, and innocent looking pouts, complemented by pale, porcelain-like faces. Not only does this full spread advertisement sexualize young girls through imagery, but position as well. The models are posed in slouching, carefree or rigid, tense positions, made to look small, fragile, delicate, and waif-like.

Cut and Paste

“Cut & Sew” is a high-end men’s clothing line that seems to equate fashionable “cutting” with that of a woman’s body.  Here, the models face and neck have been cropped from view, rendering her person to a gaunt torso and stocking-clad legs.  In the background lie scattered Polaroids that objectify the model’s individual parts.  With the emphasis on black clothing, passive positioning, and the skull and crossbones on the male model’s shirt, the viewer cannot help but equate this picture of passivity with glamorized death.

You Know You Want It