Nothing says “Merry Christmas!” like an offensive, sexist gift. I’m a big fan of weird novelty and gag products. On my desk at work, I have a miniature replica of my own office, made from Cubes figurines. At home, I’ve got Fighting Grandads wind-up toys and ice cube trays that make icebergs and the Titanic… Continue Reading →
Models contort and crumple their bodies (and the garments)
I admit it. I love online and catalogue shopping. The comfort, the convenience — it’s the best of window shopping without all those annoying fellow shoppers and salespeople. Lately, however, I’ve been noticing something a little odd about catalogue models (Don’t even get me started on the amount of Photoshop used); a large population of them… Continue Reading →
Levi’s ass-inine idea of equality
ASS. Got your attention, didn’t I? I’m guessing Levi’s was pretty proud of the final tagline for their new Curve ID jeans: “All asses were not created equal.” Nothing makes you do a double-take like the blatant use of “ass” in advertising, right? But I digress. The real story behind the company’s latest ad campaign… Continue Reading →
The skinny on “skinny” products
The following post was written by 16-year-old About-Face supporter Haley: I think I can speak for most girls my age when I say that my generation is an impressionable one. Knowing this, companies constantly bombard us with manipulative ads and products that make us feel worse about ourselves than we already do. Take skinny jeans,… Continue Reading →
Christina Hendricks’ curves should never be Photoshopped
Poems should be written about “Mad Men” star Christina Hendricks’ curves. No, really. The actress has one of those unbelievably beautiful bodies that only Botticelli could have dreamed up. The show’s costume department must have a field day dressing her up in vintage styles that showcase breasts, hips, and butt (all of which she has… Continue Reading →
Proenza Schouler and “Top Model” get waist-ed
Flat abs, lean legs, perky breasts: these fashion industry staples have been mandated so long, you can pretty much expect to find them on any straight-size model. But what’s the newest must-have on the runways? A teeny-tiny, impossibly thin waist. Obviously, this trend isn’t a new one (ever heard of a corset?), but recent media… Continue Reading →
Skin-lightening for Indian men? Vaseline has a Facebook app for that.
Judging by Hollywood (and “Jersey Shore”), many Americans covet nothing more than the perfect tan. Imagine a Facebook application that allowed these tanning enthusiasts to tint their pasty profile pictures with a faux bronze glow. No big deal? Now imagine a similar app inviting Indian men to lighten their skin. If you just uncomfortably shifted… Continue Reading →
Sophia Bush thinks Urban Outfitters is as bad as we do
There’s nothing better than a celebrity who recognizes how sucky the media can be. Sophia Bush (“One Tree Hill”) isn’t about to fall prey to any warped body image messages, and she doesn’t think you should either. The actress recently took to her blog to rant about Urban Outfitters’ offensive “Eat Less” t-shirt. Here’s what… Continue Reading →
MAC and Rodarte give makeup an ugly name with their Juarez line
Whether it’s a case of thinking way too far outside the box, or a cheap attempt to shock and awe makeup junkies, MAC Cosmetics has managed to seriously cross the line. Collaborating with high-fashion label Rodarte, MAC recently unveiled plans to release a makeup collection in September based on life in the border town of… Continue Reading →