One could say fashion and art is half complete without the advertising component. To the creator it may be a masterpiece, but to the general audience it could just be another item that their eye glances over without the notion to stop and stare.
I was particularly fond of O’Brien’s remark, “The fusion of advertising and art is adding another dimension to culture,” because it rang true of our contemporary society today. I think that in earlier times, people appreciated art and fashion more because it was just becoming popular in its new and raw form. Today, art and fashion have lost this sense of tradition because people have lost it too. Thus what appeals to younger generations today, is not the same as from what did of years ago.
Much like these ads from Urban Decay
The one on the left with Gwen Stefani, is an earlier ad and is in no doubt a stunning portrayal of the model, but it is simple and traditional. Her blond hair, deep red lipstick, and her apparel, reminds me of a doll type of look: simple, elegant, and clean, much like the makeup presented. There is nothing out of the ordinary being advertised.
The more recent ad on the right by Urban Decay featuring Ruby Rose, (known for pushing the boundaries of gender stereotypes in Orange is the New Black), embodies a more dramatic and dangerous look, which pars well together with the company’s new lipstick collection of bold and unique colors. Her tattoos and shorter hair cut stray away from the conventional manner of portraying women in makeup ads but in a way that would attract a diverse group of youngsters. The unzipped leather jacket to me spoke out as liberated and carefree, not to mention how her mouth is slightly opened and the model is holding an eyeshadow brush in her mouth like a cigarette, which all contribute to this rebellious ambiance.
Overall, the ad on the left speaks to me as, look beautiful and play it safe today, whereas the ad on the right says, look sexy and be dangerous tonight.
These two types of ads portray two different types of women, as well as two different styles of makeup, and will therefore attract two different followings when viewed.
From the first article, Abloh’s statement “We’re all individuals; we’re all critics; we all look at things from a discerning eye,” coincides with the idea that a piece of art/fashion can not satisfy everyone because we all see things differently. Thus advertisements help lure those stragglers who are not enticed by first glance, or are unsure of what they are truly looking at.
