The Holly Norris ‘American Able’ photographs feature physically disabled model Jes Sachse, posing in a realm in which women with disabilities are more often than not excluded. American Apparel is known for its sexualized advertisements of pretty, skinny, able-bodied women, who are hyped as ‘real’ people. The ads create and recreate images and conceptions of what should be considered desirable.
Canadian photographer Holly Norris is trying to make us aware of how certain groups are rendered invisible in the mainstream pop culture and media environments.
Atypical Ad Spoofs
The Holly Norris 'American Able' Photos Roast American Apparel
Trend Themes
1. Inclusive Advertising - The American Able photographs highlight the need for more inclusive advertising campaigns that represent diverse groups of people.
2. Disruptive Representation - The images challenge traditional notions of beauty and disrupt the norms in the fashion and advertising industries by featuring a physically disabled model.
3. Awareness Photography - Holly Norris's photographs serve as a visual platform to raise awareness about the invisibility of certain groups in mainstream media and pop culture.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry has an opportunity to leverage inclusive advertising to break the stereotypes and promote a more diverse and accepting image of beauty.
2. Advertising - The advertising industry can embrace disruptive representation and challenge traditional notions of attractiveness to better connect with diverse consumer demographics.
3. Photography - Awareness photography presents a disruptive opportunity in the photography industry to use images as a powerful tool for social change and inclusivity.