Perhaps it’s the influence of the movie “American Hustle” and 1970s style. Or maybe it’s just CEO and founder Dov Charney’s fetish. Whatever it is, American Apparel mannequins have pubic hair now.
Gothamist first spotted the bushy American Apparel mannequins in New York City earlier this month. The Huffington Post spoke to a store associate who said the au natural-looking mannequins were meant to drum up Valentine’s Day sales by conveying the “rawness and realness of sexuality.” Word.
I recently had a baby. How about mannequins with smooshy, puffy bellies that make it difficult to see one’s own pubes? Oh, wait. Global News reports: “At David’s Bridal, mannequins soon will get thicker waists, saggier breasts and back fat to mimic a more realistic shape.” It’s a start. How about stretch marks?
A Swiss mannequin campaign that highlighted people with disabilities went viral last year.
And back in Manhattan, people are flocking to the East Houston Street American Apparel stores, taking pictures in front of the bushy Barbies. I’m assuming many women stop to stare on their way to get Brazilian waxes.
Maybe some of the credit goes to Lena Dunham and HBO’s “Girls”, which has no issue showing bodies as they are. You know, real women who don’t look like supermodels, or mannequins, as the case may be. Not that there’s anything wrong with having a “perfect” body. But it shouldn’t be an aspiration. After all, we get what we get in this life. We should work towards the healthiest version of ourselves–not trying to emulate women we’ll never ever look like. Surgeries to boost our bust or shrink our thighs, or even just ripping out our crotch hair certainly could be time better spent. Like shopping for a new wardrobe at American Apparel. I think the campaign’s working, Dov.
Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger
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Images: michael kalus, Gothamist