It's about time someone showed a mannequin that resembled a sliver of the natural female form, pubic hair highlighted.
Second wave feminists fighting for gender equality rejected the notion that women were only objects of sexual desire by embracing natural hair growth as a stand against commercialized beauty. Albeit for shock value, American Apparel, well-known for its '70s revival fashion like high-waisted leggings and halter tops, took on the decade's full frontal. According to Gothamist, mannequins in a downtown New York American Apparel window are now sporting pubic hair, which is visible around and through the underwear that they are wearing. We sent our photographer, Kathryn Wirsing, to get some up close and personal pics.
We've been seeing a reemergence of natural pubic hair recently. From dotting the pages of magazines to Gwyneth Paltrow's confession about her upkeep to Ellen Degeneres, the look has still been controversial for some. This past October, Instagram banned the account of a 21-year-old photographer Petra Collins (photo above) because she posted a pic of hair creeping over the underwear line.
While American Apparel is known for its gimmicky methods (a sales associate at the store location said the display was for "eyeballs" via telephone) and offensive ad campaigns (see: Dov Charney antics), the mannequins in its windows are a small step in showing the natural female form in a culture that equates shaving and bareness with beauty.
Update: American Apparel provided this response to ELLE:
"American Apparel is a company that celebrates natural beauty, and the Lower East Side Valentine's Day window continues that celebration," a rep told us. "We created it to invite passerbys to explore the idea of what is 'sexy' and consider their comfort with the natural female form. This is the same idea behind our advertisements which avoid many of the photoshopped and airbrushed standards of the fashion industry. So far we have received positive feedback from those that have commented and we're looking forward to hearing more points of view."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Jess Hong Enters Her Chaotic Era
She was doing kids’ theater in New Zealand when she landed the leading role on Netflix’s epic ‘3 Body Problem.’ And now that the show is No. 1 on the streamer, her whole world is about to change.
By Jessica M. Goldstein Published
-
39 J.Crew, Reformation, and COS Items That Are Ideal for Spring Travel
Spring ready.
By Allyson Payer Published
-
Taylor Swift Breaks Yet Another Music-Industry Record
This is pretty much the norm now, no?
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
These 12 Editor-Approved Spring Work Outfits Clock Overtime
You'll want to onboard these looks ASAP.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Cameron Russell Can't Reform Fashion Alone
The model's gripping new memoir is a call to action—and accountability.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Meet the Designers Keeping the Art of Craftsmanship Alive
In today's murky fashion landscape of discourse and 'cores, to be a revolutionary is to tune out the chatter and focus on your design. Here, a vanguard group of designers who prioritize their skills above all else.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Exclusive: Rothy’s Designs Its First Wedge Sandal
The footwear brand just released its first wedge sandal.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Sherri McMullen Is the Oakland Boutique Owner Redefining Retail
From mentoring emerging brands to spotting the next big designer, we chat with the entrepreneur about everything from TikTok trends to the current state of the industry.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Colorful Cowboys and Celebs Galore: Pharrell William's Latest for Louis Vuitton Men's
A special shoutout goes to Williams' revamped Speedy bags.
By India Roby Published
-
This Under-the-Radar Jacket on Amazon Is My Newest Winter Obsession
And, no, it's not the "Amazon coat."
By Jaimie Potters Published
-
The Best Black T-Shirts to Buy In Bulk
Done right, the black tee is the most versatile item in your wardrobe.
By Taylor Ayers Published