Jack Wills, a luxury fashion label that is preferred by celebrities such as Prince Harry, Emma Watson and Hugh Grant is under a lot of speculation because of its bold advertising. The advertising authorities are worried the label is using extremely provocative pictures on its clothing catalogue.
So far it has been observed that Jack Wills has published catalogues with nearly naked women in the catalogue. They have also shown images of a woman wearing nothing but a brief. Similarly, they have shown topless woman being held by a man and the girl's upper half was fairly prominently displayed. Often, the models pose in a sexual position besides revealing body parts.
It is breaching advertising rules and is not such a positive influence on younger teenagers.
Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) will censure Jack Wills, which is not for the British company that started a decade ago. Though the censor will not harm its position in anyway.
However, Jack Wills has responded that all its models were over the age of 18. Besides they say, that their products are for university students and not for school children. Anybody who wants a catalogue needs to tick and confirm if they are 18 years or older.
ASA is sure that the label is influencing and inspiring school children towards a dangerous lifestyle too early. Also, considering the loyal following of celebrities like Prince Harry and Hugh Grant is aspirational enough.
Jack Wills was started in 1999 but two University College London graduates -Peter Williams and Robert Shaw. Their clothes are quite expensive. They aim to target privileged students and their shops are only in university towns and wealthy areas of London.
I understand that sex does sell to quite an extent and most advertisers seem to use this strategy. It is used as an appeal obviously to touch the senses and catalogues are an important part of a clothing business. I guess Jack Wills already has an impressive client and customer base and censuring won't damage their profits.
It is ok if ASA is taking these measures after a good 10 years - they are doing their bit. But teenagers and kids will always have access to things anyway in one way or the other. It is not easy to hide anything from nobody in these times.
