The buzz around American Eagle Outfitters’ recent ad featuring Sydney Sweeney hasn’t cooled off. For over a week, the campaign sparked both excitement and criticism on social media and in news outlets.
Recently, former President Donald Trump added fuel to the fire. He praised Sweeney’s commercial on Truth Social, linking her Republican voter status with the ad’s success, claiming the jeans were “flying off the shelves.”
After this endorsement, American Eagle’s stock rose by 23.5% in a single day, indicating a direct correlation between the ad’s visibility and market reaction. Meanwhile, Sweeney also saw her Instagram followers grow, hitting 25.2 million, following significant engagement on her campaign posts.
Experts are weighing in on the implications of this ad. Susan Scafidi of the Fashion Law Institute noted how Sweeney’s Republican ties could inspire future marketing strategies that play into political symbols. Adam Duhachek, a marketing professor, mentioned that American Eagle likely didn’t intend to make a political statement. Despite this, he acknowledged the campaign’s impressive engagement metrics, marking a rare instance of a marketing blitz paying off so successfully.
However, the controversy didn’t stop there. David Lipman, a seasoned creative director, claimed that American Eagle’s campaign mimicked a 2009 ad he created with Georgia May Jagger. Lipman’s ad featured Jagger in a provocative setup, and he argued that the similarities are striking enough to warrant attention.
Lipman shared that his original campaign garnered over 40 million views in just a week, creating a buzz that significantly boosted Hudson Jeans’ revenue at the time. He believes that the essence of advertising has changed; controversy often drives sales of basic items like jeans, making them stand out in a crowded market.
Adding historical context, some commentators compared Sweeney’s ad to iconic past campaigns, like Calvin Klein’s 1981 advertisement with Brooke Shields. As advertising strategies have evolved, the blend of controversy and essential products remains a key tactic for engagement.
Joseph Hancock from Drexel University suggested that controversial marketing has a long-standing relationship with consumer behavior. He pointed out that selling jeans is not just about the product but also about how effectively brands can contextualize them in a saturated market.
In light of these insights, American Eagle’s strategy seems aimed at navigating the political landscape while also keeping their product in the spotlight. It’s a balancing act, yet the immediate financial results speak to the effectiveness of stirring the pot, regardless of the criticism.
Source link
Advertisement,American Eagle Outfitters,georgia may jagger,Jerry Hall,Sydney Sweeney



















