Same-Sex Ads Just Lost This Suit Company 10,000 Instagram Followers, And Here Are The Pics That Caused It
A Dutch menswear company has exposed the lingering anti-gay sentiment that still runs deep in parts of society, by releasing an ad campaign that shows same-sex couples doing things like (shock!) kissing and embracing.
The Dutch are a famously tolerant and open-minded people, and the men’s fashion company in question, SuitSupply, has courted controversy before. However, the founder and CEO, Fokke De Jong, makes his position clear. “The attraction between people is an important part of fashion ad ideas,” he said. “A campaign featuring the attraction between men was long overdue and particularly relevant for our clothing brand.”
Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad reports that the company has seen over 10,000 Instagram followers leave since the controversial ad campaign began, suggesting that it has been poorly received by a large number of people. Mr. De Jong had been aware of the potential for controversy. “We do believe there is potential for negative impact, especially in countries where we have a significant presence, that is known for contrasting viewpoints.” To this end, the photos of men kissing won’t be shown in countries that have a poor record on gay rights, such as Russia and the United Arab Emirates. Mr. De Jong believes that the company’s outlets there would be closed immediately if this were the case.
Clearly though, SuitSupply believe in their inclusivity principles, the strength of their brand, and the willingness of the public (in Western countries at least) to embrace this kind of clever advertising. It has certainly gotten people talking. While there have been, predictably, shrieks of dismay and threatened masculinity by men who cannot bear to see two guys kissing while wearing that most manly of clothing items, the suit; there has also been an outpouring of support and positivity for the inclusive message it sends.
No matter what you think about the suit-ability of the campaign, you gotta admit that it’s bold, eye-catching, and effective fashion statement. Scroll down to check it out for yourself below, and let us know what you think! We don’t know what all the fuss is about, to be honest.
SuitSuppy’s advertising campaigns are becoming famous for courting controversy
Image credits: suitsupply
It has been accused of sexism and misogyny in the past
Image credits: suitsupply
Campaigns usually appeal to the classic image of masculinity
Image credits: suitsupply
But this one took a different turn
Image credits: suitsupply
Featuring same-sex couples in various forms of embrace, this image of two men kissing was particularly controversial
Image credits: suitsupply
“The attraction between people is an important part of fashion advertising”
Image credits: suitsupply
“A campaign featuring the attraction between men was long overdue and particularly relevant for our brand”
Image credits: suitsupply
Many of the images won’t be shown in countries like Russia and the United Arab Emirates
Image credits: suitsupply
As the CEO of the company thinks that the company’s outlets in those countries would be closed immediately
Image credits: suitsupply
We don’t know what all the fuss is about, to be honest
Image credits: suitsupply
There’s also a video, which you can check out below
Predictably, some people were very angry about the campaign
Others loved it though
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
I'm from Russia but the only thing that I find disturbing here is a man on a crimson couch who forgot to wear socks with his suit 😱 That's what I call an abomination 😂 😂😂
Lol!
Yeah, I think about bare feet and closed shoes on a warm or hot day. Yech!!
haha same here!
There is no depiction of socks in these ads. The idea of showing two men engaged in socks -- or even one alone with socks in hand -- so disturbing. What's next, John Lyle argyles? Please!
Well... Not everyone can afford socks in this maniac governed country... Even Dave Franco(?)!
That's actually a big trend here in France at the moment ... aweful for me to see all this young and less young people without socks !! while I'm wearing pantyhoses, socks and pants !! hahaha
He’s wearing ankle socks.
Daria: You're right... I didn't even notice in the first place! The shoes are also totally clashing with the suit. Meeh...
To be fair, I don't want to see anybody kissing. I don't mind adverts of people holding hands or hugging, but I find open mouth kissing a bit cringy!
I think it's the idea of an exchange of bodily fluids which is rather icky for public advertising, regardless of the orientation of the couple.
So they lost 10000 homophobic followers? I'd call that a win.
With the publicity around the loss of followers, and the reason for it I've no doubt they'd quickly pick up a replacement 10,000 from people who'd never heard of them until now.
Great marketing strategy!
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Loosing 10000 potential buyers for 150 new potential buyers...and you call that a great marketing strategy? I don't care what your beliefs are, but I would not hire you to manage my business.
Not only homophobic, also male chauvinist pigs, if you have seen some of the previous campaigns. Double win! 😊
You don’t have to be homophobic to not like the ads. Besides different strokes for different folks.
@Ian. This was an excellent strategy. Gay men have more money and are willing to spend it than most straight men are - especially the homophobic trolls that scream on the internet. They've done a brilliant job of placing their market. A little controversy only means that they'll sell MORE clothing to people who dislike the trolls.
fcku, while I agree with you that I would like to see some evidence to support what sounds like a patently ridiculous claim by Aunt Messy, it was not Bill Nye who said that. That quote is commonly attributed to astrophysicist and noted rationalist/skeptic Carl Sagan.
Clearly you've never worked in marketing.
Where’s your evidence about gay men having more money?! Seems like you’re perpetuating a stereotype here; why would gay men automatically have more money than straight men, or be more willing to spend it?! Your view is actually a form of homophobia in itself, please educate yourself and do better from now on. Sincerely, A gay man.
evidence? sorry but as bill nye said extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
+just curious the bill nye thing was a joke
I'm from Russia but the only thing that I find disturbing here is a man on a crimson couch who forgot to wear socks with his suit 😱 That's what I call an abomination 😂 😂😂
Lol!
Yeah, I think about bare feet and closed shoes on a warm or hot day. Yech!!
haha same here!
There is no depiction of socks in these ads. The idea of showing two men engaged in socks -- or even one alone with socks in hand -- so disturbing. What's next, John Lyle argyles? Please!
Well... Not everyone can afford socks in this maniac governed country... Even Dave Franco(?)!
That's actually a big trend here in France at the moment ... aweful for me to see all this young and less young people without socks !! while I'm wearing pantyhoses, socks and pants !! hahaha
He’s wearing ankle socks.
Daria: You're right... I didn't even notice in the first place! The shoes are also totally clashing with the suit. Meeh...
To be fair, I don't want to see anybody kissing. I don't mind adverts of people holding hands or hugging, but I find open mouth kissing a bit cringy!
I think it's the idea of an exchange of bodily fluids which is rather icky for public advertising, regardless of the orientation of the couple.
So they lost 10000 homophobic followers? I'd call that a win.
With the publicity around the loss of followers, and the reason for it I've no doubt they'd quickly pick up a replacement 10,000 from people who'd never heard of them until now.
Great marketing strategy!
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Loosing 10000 potential buyers for 150 new potential buyers...and you call that a great marketing strategy? I don't care what your beliefs are, but I would not hire you to manage my business.
Not only homophobic, also male chauvinist pigs, if you have seen some of the previous campaigns. Double win! 😊
You don’t have to be homophobic to not like the ads. Besides different strokes for different folks.
@Ian. This was an excellent strategy. Gay men have more money and are willing to spend it than most straight men are - especially the homophobic trolls that scream on the internet. They've done a brilliant job of placing their market. A little controversy only means that they'll sell MORE clothing to people who dislike the trolls.
fcku, while I agree with you that I would like to see some evidence to support what sounds like a patently ridiculous claim by Aunt Messy, it was not Bill Nye who said that. That quote is commonly attributed to astrophysicist and noted rationalist/skeptic Carl Sagan.
Clearly you've never worked in marketing.
Where’s your evidence about gay men having more money?! Seems like you’re perpetuating a stereotype here; why would gay men automatically have more money than straight men, or be more willing to spend it?! Your view is actually a form of homophobia in itself, please educate yourself and do better from now on. Sincerely, A gay man.
evidence? sorry but as bill nye said extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
+just curious the bill nye thing was a joke