In a situation that was a extremely good publicity for Volvo, but not so great for the Fendi designer, Karl Lagerfeld has shown up inadvertently in a Swiss ad campaign for the car brand.
How did the accidental endorsement happen? Let's just say it was all a matter of appearance.
The German uber designer, known for his admired works as the creative director at the Chanel and Fendi design houses, Lagerfeld wasn't actually in the advert. A look-a-like was hired as the model in the ads for the new Volvo C30 hatchback.
"They think I should be flattered, perhaps," he told WWD.
Lagerfeld, who is very protective of his personal brand, wasn't so happy about the false associated and after objecting, Volvo agreed not to publish the ads.
NOTE: The photo on the article is not the one aired; it has been digitally altered and actually features the real Lagerfeld.
The new C30 is actually not a bad looking little Volvo!
Accidental Endorsement
Karl Lagerfeld for Volvo?
Trend Themes
1. Celebrity Endorsement - Incorporating celebrities into advertising materials without their consent presents a challenge and ethical concerns for marketers to address.
2. Image Recognition - The use of image recognition technology in advertising can help to prevent situations of mistaken or unauthorized identity being portrayed.
3. Brand Protection - Effective brand protection involves monitoring and actively enforcing against unauthorized use of brand images or identities.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising - The advertising industry must balance the benefits of using recognizable faces with ensuring that their use is legal and ethical.
2. Technology - Technological solutions such as image recognition software can help prevent mistaken identity in advertising campaigns that use celebrities or public figures.
3. Brand Management - Brand managers must take a proactive approach to identify and protect their brand against unauthorized use or potential misrepresentation.