When it was leaked in January that MAC Cosmetics was planning on releasing a collection of stereotype-inspired eye palettes called the 'Basic Bitch' palettes, some fans were offended. To call a woman "basic" is to say her manner of presenting herself is unoriginal and without substance. Now that the palettes are about to be released, it is clear that the Basic Bitch palettes are intentionally disruptive. The name is meant to be a play on words that refers to both the stereotype and to the neutral colors that make up the palette.
Taking this strategy is a bold one and has caused quite a bit of hype around the palettes as fans anxiously awaited their release. Through this stereotype-inspired eye palette collection, MAC is working to both control and challenge the cultural narrative surrounding women in North America.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Stereotype-inspired Eye Palettes
- MAC's 'Basic Bitch' Palettes challenge cultural narratives with wearable colors.
- Disruptive Naming Strategies
- Naming products using controversial terms to generate hype and challenge perceptions.
- Controversial Marketing Tactics
- Using provocative marketing campaigns to attract attention and create buzz.
Where This Applies
- Cosmetics
- The makeup industry can innovate by creating unconventional and thought-provoking products.
- Fashion
- The fashion industry can adopt unconventional branding strategies to disrupt traditional narratives and attract new customers.
- Marketing and Advertising
- The marketing and advertising industry can explore controversial tactics that challenge societal norms and generate buzz.
