This Oil of Olay print ad image featuring Twiggy is at the center of a heated debate over a proposed Photoshop ban in Britain. Liberal Democrats there say that the practice of image retouching is a harmful one, and they propose footnotes be added to all doctored photos that disclose that they've been edited.
Moreover, Liberal Democrats also advocate a Photoshop ban in Britain for all advertising targeted at youth under the age of 16. The gallery above starts off with Twiggy's Oil of Olay ad--which only warranted attention because shortly after it was published, wrinkle-filled photos of the iconic model out shopping surfaced--and finishes up with classic blunders from Photoshop Disasters.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Photoshop Bans
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Companies can focus on promoting authenticity and natural beauty in their advertising campaigns instead of relying on Photoshop.
- Disclosure Footnotes
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Brands can explore creative ways to disclose image retouching, such as utilizing augmented reality filters to show the before and after images.
- Youth-focused Advertising
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Advertisers can develop strategies to effectively reach and engage youth without relying on unrealistic beauty standards.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Cosmetics
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Cosmetic companies can promote diverse representations of beauty and develop products specifically targeting natural looks.
- Fashion
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Fashion brands can collaborate with models of all sizes and use diverse casting to challenge traditional beauty standards.
- Advertising
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Advertising agencies can create campaigns that empower individuals and celebrate their unique qualities instead of promoting unrealistic beauty ideals.
