Image via Complex Original
Fashion ads are the ultimate reflection of a brand. The photographer, models, location choice, and style decisions all come together to convey the brand's vision. That's why every detail needs to be taken care of. Sure, all brands aim for flawless ads but who are we kidding? With the good comes the bad.
Sometimes it's a blooper that makes an ad not so good; other times it's intentional. Sometimes, it's a hand in the face, weird props and styling, or the good old uncomfortable pose. Mistakes do pop up on these ads and honestly, we can't help but laugh. We know you'll get a kick out of them too, so check out these 15 Incredibly Awkward Fashion Ads.
Gap
Season: Fall 2006
Complex says: O.K. to be clear, we salute Don Cheadle for working with a great cause. But what's up with that pose? This isn't Boogie Nights—you can't just take your shirt off whenever you want.
Y-3
Season: Spring/Summer 2012
Complex says: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to try those awkward model poses in real life? This guy sure did—because who doesn't drink tea like that?
Diesel
Season: Fall/Winter 2010
Complex says: We feel your confusion. We don't know what we just watched either.
GANT
Season: Fall/Winter 2010
Complex says: "Safety first y'all."
H&M
Season: Fall/Winter 2009
Complex says: Andres Segura was like, "Let me try one of those weird avant garde model poses" but actually ended up looking more scared than cool.
Eleven Paris
Season: Spring/Summer 2011
Complex says: Cool mask, bro.
Lanvin
Season: Fall/Winter 2011-2012
Complex says: Oh, the infamous Lanvin video. To be honest we're not sure what's more awkward; the fact that these models have no rhythm or that designer Alber Elbaz is dancing to Pitbull.
Lacoste
Season: Spring/Summer 2009
Complex says: "Wait, let me show off this awesome fan." Yeah, this one wins the award for most awkward prop.
Duckie Brown
Season: Summer 2012
Complex says: "I can fit into that suitcase, I swear."
Topman
Season: 2009 White Tee Project
Complex says: Dude on the left looks constipated. Dude on the right looks like he's ready to get the fuck out of there.
Harvey Nichols
Season: Summer sale
Complex says: The British department store received a lot of flack for this one. Their weird summer sale ad features models who look like they've peed themselves. To add fire to the flame, they've also added a caption that reads "The Harvey Nichols Sale: Try to contain your excitement." Awkward.
Ovadia & Sons
Season: Fall/Winter 2011
Complex says: Uhm, this is Parkour, Ovadia & Sons style.
Louis Vuitton
Season: Spring/Summer 2012
Complex says: "Oh you didn't know? Sneakers are the new accessory. Swaggy."
Prada
Season: Spring/Summer 2012
Complex says: What we want to know is why the photographer didn't stop shooting. Michael Pitt has clearly got something in his eye...
Marc Jacobs
Season: Spring/Summer 2012
Complex says: Here's the thing about Marc Jacobs; he's one of the most celebrated designers in the industry, but he's also got some of the weirdest fashion ads. This SS '12 campaign has got a case of the awkward pose and bizarre prop. Guess nobody's perfect.