Brooke Shields, an adored actress and model, recently shared her thoughts on a defining moment in her career – her controversial Calvin Klein advertisement from the 1980s. Even after all these years, the impact of that campaign is still felt today.
At the tender age of 15, Brooke became the face of this memorable campaign, thrusting her into the spotlight and triggering a firestorm of controversy. The advertisement, known for its provocative content, stirred up such a frenzy that it was even banned in some countries. Looking back, Brooke admits that she didn’t fully grasp the pornographic nature of her line in the commercial at the time. Naively, she innocently delivered the now-iconic slogan, “Want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.”
During a recent interview on the Armchair Expert podcast, Brooke discussed the media’s tendency to sexualize young actors and models, using her own experience as evidence. The aftermath of the controversial advertisement threw her into a whirlwind of unexpected interviews. One conversation, in particular, still haunts her – her sit-down with journalist Barbara Walters.
Recalling that interview, Brooke describes it as “practically criminal.” She felt bewildered and upset by the inappropriate questions she was asked. Barbara delved into personal matters, like her measurements, and even probed into whether she had any secrets hidden from her own mother. It’s crucial to remember that Brooke was just fifteen years old at the time.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Brooke further opened up about the negative feedback she received from the campaign. She recalls paparazzi yelling at her and her mother, leaving her utterly bewildered by the absurdity of it all. She emphasizes that she never interpreted the slogan as having any sexual connotations, underscoring her innocence and guilelessness. “I believed it was assumed that I was much more intelligent than I actually was,” she confessed. “I was a virgin at the time and remained so forever.”
Surprisingly, despite the controversy and backlash, the Calvin Klein campaign went viral, inadvertently propelling the brand to new heights. The attention may have been negative, but it certainly generated interest. As a result, Calvin Klein became synonymous with pushing boundaries and setting trends. Their advertising strategies, often criticized for being both inappropriate and seductive, have become iconic in the fashion industry.
Brooke Shields remains well aware of Calvin Klein’s infamous reputation. The brand’s current advertising efforts continue to court controversy, capturing attention and notoriety. Despite the criticism and condemnation they have faced over the years, Calvin Klein is a brand unafraid to take risks.
If you want to catch a glimpse of the controversial Calvin Klein advertisement that brought Brooke Shields into the limelight, you can watch the video below. Please note that the video may contain content that some viewers may find inappropriate.
