Male staff members from BuzzFeed made a collection of recreated Calvin Klein underwear ads to encourage male body-positivism. While women are traditionally under the social microscope to look a certain way, men also share similar pressures.
The collection of photographs are direct interpretations of the original Calvin Klein underwear ads that feature chiseled models and celebrities. The BuzzFeed staff members recreated the images by posing in the exact same way, wearing the exact same underwear. The major difference is that the re-created images show a more realistic male body.
The photography collection was accompanied by statements and insights from BuzzFeed's staff on the real pressure they feel to look a certain way. One of the most powerful statements was made by Dan Oshinsky who said, "I’m no Djimon Hounsou, but I don’t need to be. Being Dan will do just fine."
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Male Body-positivity
- Creating advertising campaigns that feature realistic male figures to encourage body-positivity.
- Re-creation Marketing
- Recreating popular advertisements with a more realistic approach to appeal to a wider audience.
- Authentic Brand Representation
- Including diverse body types in advertising to promote inclusivity and make consumers feel represented.
Where This Applies
- Fashion and Apparel
- Opportunity for fashion brands to showcase diverse body types in their advertising campaigns.
- Advertising and Marketing
- Opportunity to develop campaigns that challenge traditional beauty standards and promote body positivity.
- Media and Entertainment
- Opportunity to create content that celebrates authenticity and diversity in the representation of male bodies.
