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.
-
Hailey Bieber Calls Husband Justin Bieber a "Pretty Crier" After He Posts Selfies With Tears
The post comes amid split rumors, which Hailey has shut down.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Rihanna Drops a Not-So-Subtle Hint at Her 2024 Met Gala Fashion Plans
"I'm actually keeping it really simple this year."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Here's Why Kate Middleton Broke Tradition and Released Prince Louis' Birthday Photo Late
In the past, the Princess of Wales has shared her children's birthday photos right away.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Has Everything on My Spring Outfit Mood Board
The perfect fashion destination to shop for warm-weather looks.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
20 Trending Shoe Styles From Sam Edelman’s Major Spring Sale
From sandals to pumps to sneakers, the footwear brand now has over 500 markdowns to shop.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fashion Editors' Full-Proof Formula for Elevated Going-Out Outfits
Part of growing up is realizing that style and comfort can coexist.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published