Not-So-Perfect Models

Liz Claiborne Ads Redefine Beauty to Appeal to the Masses

Liz Claiborne is not an old lady brand; it is becoming an every-person brand and it has made a statement to the modeling world as well.

The latest ad campaign not only shows a refreshing reformation of the collection, but the campaign also has broken the model mold.

The Liz Claiborne ads include a grandmother with corky glasses, a plus-size and a petite woman. The campaign also includes multiple ethnicities.

In a glossy Photoshopped world, using 'real' women for ads isn't seen often anymore for big-name apparel, especially during a relaunch.

These days, the word 'model' tends to refer to the world of fashion or Playboy, but when brands break the mold and call for real people to model in their ad campaigns, including the shorter, older or just-average-looking, it leaves an impression on the whole modeling industry.

The Liz Claiborne ad campaign involves women from five different decades with different lifestyles and careers who have inspiring stories and backgrounds.

Isaac Mizrahi carries the model title as well in the campaign and plays the game of “Where’s Waldo” as he discreetly appears in the ads.

Fashion photographer Arthur Elgort shot the campaign.

Diversity in Ad Campaigns
Breaking the mold of traditional model representation by featuring real people of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities in advertisements.
Authenticity in Fashion Advertising
Using 'real' women with inspiring stories and backgrounds to promote a relaunched brand, challenging the glossy and Photoshopped standards of the industry.
Inclusive Representation in Modeling
Expanding the definition of what it means to be a model by including shorter, older, and just-average-looking individuals in ad campaigns.

Who This Affects Most

Fashion Retail
Opportunity for fashion brands to embrace diversity and inclusivity in their advertising campaigns, appealing to a wider range of customers.
Photography
Increasing demand for photographers who can capture authentic and diverse representations of individuals for fashion advertising purposes.
Fashion Design
Encouragement for fashion designers to create clothing lines that cater to people of all shapes, sizes, and ages, promoting inclusivity in the industry.
SCORE
2.8 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 26%
Activity 50%
Freshness 8%