Overall, I am supportive of the #ImNoAngel concept.These women are sexy! That's just undeniable, and the black & white commercial flaunts their smokin' hot curves perfectly. I'm loving the promotion of self-love, portraying curves as sexy, and perpetuating the ever-growing trend that size 14 is sexier than a size 0. These are all messages that I am behind 100%.
The snarky attack at Victoria's Secret is a big plus.
The #ImNoAngel campaign is (not so subtly) a challenge to Victoria's Secret's "Perfect Body" campaign. VS has always featured their lanky, thin "Angels" in catalogues and commercials. Pasting the words "perfect body" over these unattainable barbies was just too much. Maybe it is just the sarcasm and callousness that has built inside of me for so many years, but I love a good snark factor.
However, it is an obvious marketing strategy.
While I love the message from Lane Bryant and the delight in the challenge against Victoria's Secret, it is very clear that this is one great big marketing ploy. The hashtag, for one, just screams for attention. The line of lingerie is actually called Cacique, but they lopped on an Angel-related slogan (complete with screaming hashtag), despite having nothing to do with the line. While it is smart on their part, I have a hard time respecting cheap ploys like this one.
Body image, eating disorders, obesity.... these are all very hot issues. Taking advantage of them to the benefit of your company is shameful. I'd be much more receptive if Lane Bryant's campaign weren't tied to a line of lingerie at all, and was just about the message. It would still be an effective marketing tool for their brand, but perhaps not so overtly scummy.
Despite how you feel about either company, here's my real issue....
There is a lot of attention on what size you are. Victoria's Secret caters to what I affectionately call "skinny bitches." Lane Bryant caters to what they have rebranded as "her size." When it comes to clothing, I don't have trouble finding my size. I have trouble finding my fit. Confused?
I am a textbook hourglass: the waist measurement is 10" less than the bust, while the bust and hip measurements are nearly the same. Trying to find clothes that flatter an hourglass but simultaneously do not give the appearance of pregnancy is extremely challenging. To further compound the issue, I am 5'4", but somehow both short legged and short in torso. This means that my hourglass is even more dramatic, and most pants are too long.
I am all for the promotion of a positive body image. I don't think the general public is represented in TV, movies, magazines, advertisements, or any major media outlet. However, how much meat you have on those bones isn't the only issue.
What about how that body is shaped?
Here's the Lane Bryant Cacique commercial, in case you are dying of curiosity.
By the way, they sell sizes 14-28. These models are all sizes 12-14. How's that for irony?
Fun fact #2: Cacique is a word used in the Caribbean to mean "chief." Also, it's a brand of cheese.
