American Apparel on 125th Street, between ACP/7th Avenue and FDB/8th Avenue, made some headlines about a year ago by customizing their Harlem shop with a sign that paid homage to its new surroundings (lower photo). Yesterday, an update was painted up on the wall of the facade and the old visual sentiment seems to be yesterday's news. Oh well, at least they gave it a go in the beginning. The closest train to this location is the A,B,C,D or the 2,3 at 125th Street. Photos by Ulysses
Oy.
ReplyDeleteso inappropriate no matter what race the model is. i hate this store.
ReplyDeleteSinage, Billboards, etc. like this and far more risque have been commonplace in cities in Europe, South America, and Asia since the early 80's, seriously...for the last 30+ years! The suggestion of sex, ass, tits, panties is no big thing. This signage is no big thing anyone would react to in much of the world. The 2 first posters are part of the well known "American Sexual Repression" psyche. This is New York City people, not Salt Lake City or Kansas City. So if you're going to react to this, which is nothing, like a person from the Bible freaking belt, why don't you move to the Bible freaking belt, where you'll be spared such horrible public visuals.
ReplyDeleteI believe the only people upset are people that are not that sexually attractive and could never be that young woman, or people that could never bang a woman like that.
Wasn't it 20 freaking years ago that Mark Wahlberg was a giant poster in Times Square in tight Calvin Klein boxers and his bulge showing quite clearly? Grow up ya'll.
you're right. im just an ugly fat hag. so sad we cant all be liberated eurotrash like yourself. ugh go away!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a boring poster, done so many times. Wake me up if they come up with something more creative.
ReplyDeleteHey, hater. I'm all for a healthy bit of sex. I just don't need it reduced to its tackiest components and shoved in my damn face. And I don't think teens and pre-teens should think semi nude women and men is acceptable/desirable either on giant billboards or online.
ReplyDeleteWow, I see this blog comprises a collection of small and narrow minded souls, sexually repressed, and sparse of education. Any of you go to college? Perhaps studied art history? Know the work of Lucian Freud?
ReplyDeleteI find this a far more naked image, an image that sold for $33 Million.
http://www.antiquity.tv/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/benefits-supervisor-sleeping-lucian-freud.jpg
I would not mind it being placed in large scale on 125th St. Expand those narrow small minds my friends. Bodies are bodies. Ever see the news stands in Harlem? Filled with Magazines of Black and Brown women, all "ass out" and in heels? Not my cup of tea but I see no need to censor such images.
Harlem seems to be filled with backward repressed "Red State" types that want to place fig leafs on Michealangelo's David. And here I thought Harlem was a progressive community.
@Hater. Evidently you missed the class in Art Appreciation 101 where they explain the difference between art and advertising. And, as Abelive correctly stated, in this instance tired, derivative clichéd advertising.
ReplyDeleteYou also evidently missed grammar and spelling in middle school but I’m too much of a high heel-wearing lady to mention that. I have fig leaves to place! So much art. So little time.
You don't have to be a prude to think this kind of thing is explotative. At least Victoria's Secret specializes in lingerie. What's the point of this?
ReplyDeleteAmerican Apparel has been slammed for these kinds of ads before.
Personally I'm more amused than offended. The minor controversy the ads/signage create is just an attention getting gimmick.
But I'm not sure who a spaced out looking waif-like White lady in her drawers is supposed to appeal to around here, either.
Vic Vega, with a last name like Vega, I would assume you're clued in on Latinas...and that woman looks Puerto Rican, Argentinian, Columbian, Brazilian, she looks clearly to my eyes like a Latina, NOT a White woman.
ReplyDeleteUhm...have you been to Brazil or Argentina my friend? Most of the models come from families with origins in Europe i.e. Gisele Bundchen who is of german descent. You can be Latina as a nationality same as you can be American. That does not dictate race. Furthermore, this store isn't even close to East Harlem.
ReplyDeleteHow exactly did this become a race issue? It is a tacky ad, but far from offensive. For those who wouldn't want their children seeing it, get over it. there are far worse things that they can and will view. Your self-righteous (borderline ignorant) attitude is annoying at best
ReplyDeleteSo if someone disagrees With you they are self-righteous and ignorant?
ReplyDeleteHmmmmmmmmm
9:21, You're the one in need of education as you cannot be Latina as a nationality and their is no country named "Latin". Being Latina is ethnicity. The woman appears to be Latina and it does not matter what nationality she is of. She can be of Icelandic, South African, or American nationality.
ReplyDeleteThat is not a White women and most Latinas I've met that are very fair in complexion and could easily pass for White take strong issue with being viewed as anything but a woman of color, a Latina.
Doubt this, contact Latina magazine, they will tell you Latinas, like Black women, come in every shade of color, and regardless of their shade, they are women of color - NOT WHITE.
Some of us get sick and tired of White people claiming everything under the damn sun for pete's sake.
Wow. I am not white and have been to those countries where you quote that models are not considered white. Google Gisele Bundchen and you will find out the highest paid Brazilian model Is German from both sides of her family. So I guess being of German heritage is not white.
ReplyDeleteWe should encourage free and open exchange of ideas in a climate of mutual respect. Reasonable people discuss ideas and exchange opinions not insults. I’ve made some comments on here and been called a “Hater” for simply stating my opinion. I really believe it’s a clash of the generation on this site – like the rest of Harlem. As a Gen X I really dislike censorship, especially in a blog. Speak your mind.
ReplyDelete