Screen-Grab via YouTube March 22, 1928 – Carrie Donovan: "I love being by myself." Throughout history, gay men and straight women have enjoyed a level of intimacy between two humans that rival even that of the most star-crossed of lovers. The formula is an older … [Read more...]
#MakingHistory: Designer Kenneth Cole’s PSA Ads for HIV/AIDS
Since 1985, designer Kenneth Cole has been openly involved in publicly supporting HIV/AIDS awareness and research. He is one of the first in the fashion industry to do so. He uses fashion as a medium to promote socially conscious ads to help fight various causes from AIDS to … [Read more...]
#ArtDept: Vintage “Snake Oil” Ads
When you hear the term "Snake Oil Salesman", you probably think of profiteers trying to exploit the unsuspecting public by selling fake cures. The Oxford English Dictionary defines snake oil as: "a quack remedy or panacea." The president’s megachurch evangelical pastors are … [Read more...]
That Time Walt Whitman Shilled for Levi’s
I remember a decade ago being so surprised that Walt Whitman had become a jeans spokesperson. Yes, that's his own rich voice reading his poem America. I wasn't certain how I felt about this, but then I thought bare chested gay poetry "...full of manly pride and friendship" might … [Read more...]
#Watch: Gucci’s Spring /Summer 2019 Campaign is Inspired by Classic Hollywood Musicals
The Spring/Summer 2019 Gucci campaign pays homage to the blondes, glitter and glitz, dancing, and surreal sets of classic Hollywood Musicals with nods to Cover Girl (1944), An American In Paris (1951), The Band Wagon (1953), There's No Business Like Show Business … [Read more...]
Oral Gratification in the 1970s and 1980s: Check Out These Adverts!
Nothing sells sexual innuendo like these 1970s and 1980s-era "Alive With Pleasure!" advertisements that were in all sorts of magazines from Cat Fancy to Playgirl to LIFE. They are just awful to look at with their gaudy green backgrounds, frightful fonts and purposely amateurish … [Read more...]
#ArtDept: Vintage Campari Posters
I suppose, because of its color, the Negroni could make sense as a winter cocktail, but for me it always says ''summer'', Italian summer: d'estate. The recipe is simple, yet iconic: one part gin, one part vermouth rosso and one part Campari, garnished with orange … [Read more...]
