UPDATE 3:45 PM EST: April Fools! On Friday, Aerie announced their AerieMAN campaign was not in fact real, but was intended to bring awareness to body diversity. The label also revealed they donated $25,000 to the National Eating Disorders Association.
Chad Kessler, American Eagle Outfitters‘ Global Brand President shared in a statement:
“We aren’t afraid of being bold in how we engage our customers, whether through a video that makes you think twice, or challenging the norm in how a brand markets to men. We are an all-inclusive brand and we know our male customers respond to humor. We look forward to continuing to innovate and evolve the American Eagle Outfitters product offerings.”
While body positivity is slowly being embraced in the industry, it’s been seeming like men are getting left behind.
After all, it was only recently that a major modeling agency launched a men’s plus-size division!
Well, as American Eagle’s sister brand Aerie does, they are inspiring customers with a new campaign, this time featuring unretouched guys of all shapes and sizes.
Related: Emma Roberts Poses Unretouched For Aerie!
Aptly titled AerieMAN, it’s refreshing to see a label embracing diversity!
The ads are kind of silly, but the message is still there. And while we know American Eagle loves their April Fools’ Day pranks, we really hope this isn’t one of them!
As Kelvin Davis, one of the four models shared with BuzzFeed:
“I’m glad brands and companies are starting to see the need for male body diversity in fashion. I think it’s long overdue, and what better way than to celebrate men in diverse sizes? Brands are just now starting to see the need for diversity.”
He explained:
“So many people have spoken up about the issue and it’s finally starting to make brands question their advertising.”
Sadly, you won’t find this new campaign on Aerie’s site, but only AE’s. Also, the models they’ve chosen to actually display the underwear on are very chiseled and fit.
It’s interesting. Anyway, be sure to check out some of the campaign videos (below):
[Image via American Eagle.]
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