I posted this first image back in October. This ad is disturbing because you can’t really tell if it’s consensual or an attack. And the perfume is called “Unforgivable.”
One of my students recently pointed out the ad for Unforgivable for Men:
Could provide a really interesting discussion of differing images of masculine and feminine sexuality and power. Thanks, Laisa P.!
NEW: Here’s an ad for Isaia Napoli clothing that is very similar:
Thanks, Laura L.!
Gwen Sharp is an associate professor of sociology at Nevada State College. You can follow her on Twitter at @gwensharpnv.
Comments 7
Dr. Danger — December 21, 2007
One of my students just submitted this ad for an extra credit assignment. I think it's important to point out that the perfume isn't called "Unforgivable", it's called "Unforgivable Woman." Apparently, this is the fate that awaits a woman who cannot be forgiven (ostensibly by a man). Without the eroticized overpowering of the female model, the question "Who wants to smell like an 'unforgivable woman'?" is almost laughably absurd.
Almost.
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Katy — August 12, 2009
I took it to mean that it was "Unforgivable" that she was so sexy that the man was unable to control himself - yes, that familiar complaint.
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Cgee — January 4, 2024
Her right hand is around the back of his head in the act of pulling him forward… I had a similar experience of that type of surrender but declined because it’s not me, and most importantly, I didn’t trust it.