Kiehl’s Response to Censorship Embraces Bold Creativity
Georgia Wray Norsten — January 23, 2025 — Fashion
References: adage
Kiehl’s response to censorship surrounding its intimate care campaign is as creative as it is bold. Following pushback for ads featuring visible pubic hair, the L’Oréal-owned brand turned the criticism into an opportunity for conversation by introducing a headline font made entirely of pubic hair, aptly named 'Pubic Display Type.'
The provocative campaign, developed by agency Marcel, features unapologetic headlines like 'Our photos of models with pubic hair were censored, so we removed the models,' and 'Pubic hair don’t care.' These ads embrace body positivity and aim to dismantle outdated taboos around intimate care.
This bold move coincides with the launch of Kiehl’s intimate care products, including 'Ingrown Hair & Tone Corrective Drops' and 'Over & Under Cream-to-Powder Body Deodorant.' By embracing honest dialogue about body hair, Kiehl’s reinforces its mission to meet all skin care needs while challenging societal norms -- one strand at a time.
Image Credit: Kiehl’s
The provocative campaign, developed by agency Marcel, features unapologetic headlines like 'Our photos of models with pubic hair were censored, so we removed the models,' and 'Pubic hair don’t care.' These ads embrace body positivity and aim to dismantle outdated taboos around intimate care.
This bold move coincides with the launch of Kiehl’s intimate care products, including 'Ingrown Hair & Tone Corrective Drops' and 'Over & Under Cream-to-Powder Body Deodorant.' By embracing honest dialogue about body hair, Kiehl’s reinforces its mission to meet all skin care needs while challenging societal norms -- one strand at a time.
Image Credit: Kiehl’s
Trend Themes
1. Creative Censorship Responses - Brands are transforming censorship challenges into creative opportunities, sparking bold dialogues and breaking societal taboos.
2. Body Positivity Advocacy - Marketing campaigns are increasingly embracing body positivity as a tool to challenge stereotypes and redefine beauty standards.
3. Typography Innovation - The use of unconventional materials in typography offers brands a novel way to engage audiences and convey provocative messages.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising and Marketing - The industry is witnessing a shift towards more daring and socially conscious advertising campaigns that challenge traditional norms.
2. Beauty and Personal Care - Intimate care products are merging with social activism to address consumer demand for inclusivity and authenticity in personal grooming.
3. Graphic Design - Designers are exploring new realms of creative expression, using unexpected elements to craft distinctive visual identities for brands.
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