Ralph Lauren Tries To Use Scare Tactics But Fails

Filed Under: Photoshop Awardz Ad Campaigns Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren can't take the heat!

The preppy label is all worked up over criticism website Boing Boing dished out about an emaciated Ralph Lauren model. After seeing the advertisement in which the already thin model was airbrushed to look frighteningly skinny, Boing Boing posted the ad on their site, noting that "Dude, her head's bigger than her pelvis."

Rather than responding to the critique, Ralph Lauren reacted, instead, by accusing Boing Boing of copyright infringement for using the ad in a post. Unfortunately for the label, however, Boing Boing knows their rights and won't be bullied, for - as they point out - their publication of the advertisement falls clearly within the boundaries of fair use, which are "purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting."

Thankfully, Boing Boing co-editor Cory Doctorow says, "so, instead of responding to their legal threat by suppressing our criticism of their marketing images, we're gonna mock them."

Ha! We love that Boing Boing won't back down. They're completely right on all counts! The ad in question features model Filippa Hamilton looking freakishly thin, and we're glad that they're calling Ralph Lauren out. This type of advertising is not only unattractive to look at, but sends the wrong message about our beauty ideals. We've seen people this thin in real life; it is not a good look!

Posted: October 7, 2009 at 11:30 am