Celebrate those curves.
Early reactions in Europe.
When the Dove Firming campaign launched in the UK, it spurred immediate discussion. See what the press said, including opinions from female reporters on the use of real women in advertising.
What reporters said:
“Thank you, Dove. Finally no emaciated women, but real women…We would like to see more of them."
- Berliner Morgenpost, March 3, 2004
“[The six Dove women] represent a refreshing antidote to the jaundiced narcissism of the professional supermodel hired to sell beauty products.”
- The Times Magazine, March 27, 2004
“Sure, in a market that's been over-saturated with stick-thin lolly-pop ladies , it's clear both lads and lasses are relishing a return to curves."
- Daily Star; April 1, 2004
“While some women feel that the pictures are 'still unrealistic - some of them look like real models ' or that 'they'd all look good in a bikini,' others thought they were 'unattractive' or admitted that they liked the pictures because they made them, by contrast, feel thin."
- The Guardian; May 6, 2004
“A campaign using 'real women' with fuller figures is emerging as the advertising phenomenon of the year."
- Daily Mail; July 29, 2004
“Hoorah! After many, many years of being assured by the fashion and beauty industries that women adore and aspire to the ultra-glamorous, perfect images of models on billboards and in glossy magazines, we have proof that, well, we bloody well don't."
- Evening Standard; July 30, 2004
What women interviewed said:
“Women are bombarded with images of often unattainable perfection. When the girl in the mirror doesn't look like the girl in the magazine or on the TV, it's not surprising women's self-esteem can be affected. It's great firms like Dove are starting to listen to real women's concerns."
- Dr. Linda Papadopolous, Psychologist; Daily Mirror; March 29, 2004
“I would like to say that I would buy from the company who used real people, but actually that probably isn't true… We all want to look like the models. The silly thing is they can all afford to have it just sucked out or nipped away. Plus they probably have it all airbrushed when they appear in the campaigns."
- Annali Burns; 27; Withington, Manchester; Daily Star; April 1, 2004
“I would definitely buy the products from a company that used professional models… People use them for a reason and everyone wants to look like a model. It's a bit unrealistic, but when you look at something like that you think it obviously works - look at her legs! But that's why they use supermodels. I don't think they would shift many products with your auntie Maureen in her swimming cossie."
- Sonia Hamzi; 21; Hulme, Manchester; Daily Star; April 1, 2004
