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Tag: Diversity and inclusion
Big Brand, Big Controversy: Calvin Klein Ad Gets Pulled Over “Woman as Object” Concerns
Remember those fancy perfume or clothing ads you see sometimes? The ones with impossibly perfect models draped across sleek furniture, looking like they just stepped out of a dream (and a Photoshop studio)? Well, one of those ads just landed in hot water, causing a big stir online.
The brand in question is Calvin Klein, a name you might recognize from jeans and underwear commercials. Their latest ad featured singer FKA twigs, a talented artist known for her unique style and edgy music. But instead of celebrating her creative spirit, the ad focused on, well, her body.
Specifically, the ad showed FKA twigs in various poses, mostly close-up shots of her lips, legs, and stomach. There wasn’t much else going on – no story, no message, just her body on display. And that’s what got people talking, and not in a good way.
Many viewers, especially women, felt the ad was “objectifying” FKA twigs. They argued that instead of showcasing her individuality and talent, the ad reduced her to just a pretty face and a nice figure. It made her seem like something to be looked at, not like a person with thoughts, feelings, and a whole lot more to offer than just her appearance.
Think about it this way: imagine if instead of focusing on FKA twigs’ body, the ad showed her onstage, rocking out with her band. Or maybe in a recording studio, creating her next hit song. Wouldn’t that be a lot more interesting and empowering? It would show her as the talented artist she is, not just a body in a fancy perfume ad.
Now, some people might argue that it’s just an ad, and we shouldn’t be reading so much into it. But ads are powerful things. They shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. And when ads constantly tell us that women are only valuable for their looks, it can have a harmful impact on our self-esteem and how we treat each other.
So, what happened to the Calvin Klein ad? Well, after facing a lot of criticism online, the company decided to pull it. They said they were “listening to the feedback” and “committed to representing diversity and inclusion in our marketing.”
This is a good step in the right direction. But it’s important to remember that this isn’t just about one ad. It’s about the bigger picture – how we portray women in the media and in society as a whole. We need to move away from objectification and celebrate women for who they truly are: complex, diverse, and incredibly talented individuals.
So next time you see an ad, take a second look. Does it tell a story? Does it showcase the person’s individuality, or just their looks? And if it’s the latter, maybe it’s time for a change. Let’s demand ads that reflect the real world, where women are more than just objects to be admired – they’re the ones making the world a more interesting, creative, and just plain awesome place.
Halle Berry Hoped Her Oscars Success Would Spark Change, But the Industry Remains Resistant
In 2002, Halle Berry became the first and, to date, only Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Monster’s Ball. It was a historic moment, one that many believed would usher in a new era of diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. However, Berry’s hopes for significant change have largely been unfulfilled, leaving her both disappointed and determined to continue pushing for progress.
“I hoped that my win would open doors for other actors of color, but that hasn’t been the case,” Berry said in a recent interview. “It’s been a slow, frustrating process, and it’s clear that Hollywood has a long way to go.”
Despite her initial disappointment, Berry has not given up on the fight for change. In 2014, she launched her own production company, 606 Films, with a mission to create opportunities for underrepresented voices. Through her company, Berry has produced several films featuring diverse casts and crews, including Bruised, which she also directed.
“My production company has been more successful in moving the needle than my Oscar win ever was,” Berry said. “It’s shown that there is an audience for stories told by and starring people of color, and it’s pushed Hollywood to start paying attention.”
However, Berry is also clear-eyed about the challenges that still lie ahead. The entertainment industry remains overwhelmingly white, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite some progress, there are still far fewer opportunities for actors of color than their white counterparts.
“We’re still not seeing the kind of representation we deserve,” Berry said. “There are still too few films being made about our experiences, and too few roles for actors of color. We need to keep fighting until the playing field is level.”
Berry’s story is a powerful example of both the promise and the limitations of individual achievement in the face of systemic racism. While her Oscar win was a historic moment, it was not enough to overcome the deep-seated biases that exist within Hollywood.
“My win was important, but it was just one step,” Berry said. “We need to keep taking steps forward, and we need everyone to join the fight. If we want to see real change, we have to work together.”
In addition to her work with 606 Films, Berry has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion off-screen. She has spoken out against racism and sexism in Hollywood, and she has used her platform to support other marginalized groups.
“It’s not enough to just be successful,” Berry said. “We have to use our success to help others. We have to speak up for those who don’t have a voice, and we have to fight for a more just and equitable world.”
Halle Berry’s journey from historic Oscar winner to tireless advocate for change is an inspiration to all who believe in the power of representation and the importance of fighting for what is right. While the road to true equality in Hollywood is long and arduous, Berry’s unwavering commitment to the cause gives us hope that one day, the industry will truly live up to its potential.
Chemena Kamali Appointed Creative Director of Chloé
Ten days after the designer Gabriela Hearst presented her last show for Chloé at Paris Fashion Week, the French fashion house confirmed the appointment of her successor, Chemena Kamali.
Ms. Kamali, 41, is a German-born designer who began her career at Chloé in 2003, working under Phoebe Philo. She later rejoined the house as design director to Clare Waight Keller in 2013, leaving for Saint Laurent in 2016, where she served as the women’s ready-to-wear design director.
Ms. Kamali’s appointment is something of a full-circle moment, and it comes at a time when many in the fashion industry are questioning why so few top-tier luxury brands are led by women.
In a statement released on Monday, Ms. Kamali said, “My heart has always been Chloé’s. It has been since I stepped through its doors more than 20 years ago. Returning feels natural and very personal.”
Riccardo Bellini, chief executive of the Richemont-owned brand, called Ms. Kamali a “natural choice” for the house and praised her “creative talent, extensive experience and unique connection to the brand’s legacy.”
The announcement of Ms. Kamali’s appointment came just days after that of another top fashion house: Alexander McQueen hired Seán McGirr to replace Sarah Burton. The new roles for both Ms. Kamali and Mr. McGirr reflect a recent trend among fashion executives to favor relatively unknown designers over splashier names for top positions at prominent houses.
It also comes amid a resurgence in the debate around why fashion, a business largely for and about women, primarily has male designers in leading roles and why there is a lack of racial diversity in those ranks.
Women do head the design studios of the industry heavyweights Chanel and Dior, but in a thinned-out field, eyes will be on Ms. Kamali’s debut at Chloé with a pre-collection in January and a ready-to-wear runway show in February in Paris.
Ms. Kamali’s appointment is a welcome step in the right direction for the fashion industry, but it is important to note that she is only one person. There is still much work to be done to promote diversity and inclusion in the upper echelons of the business.
One way to achieve this would be for fashion houses to create more transparent and equitable hiring practices. This could include setting targets for diversity and inclusion, and ensuring that hiring committees are themselves diverse.
Another important step would be to invest in developing and mentoring young designers from diverse backgrounds. This could be done through programs such as internships, apprenticeships, and fellowships.
Finally, the fashion industry needs to continue to have open and honest conversations about the challenges faced by women and people of color in the workplace. This includes talking about issues such as pay equity, harassment, and discrimination.
Only by addressing these issues can the fashion industry create a truly inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
In the meantime, fashion fans can support Ms. Kamali and other female designers by buying their clothes and following them on social media. We can also use our voices to speak out against discrimination and inequality in the fashion industry.