American Apparel Responds to Nancy Upton’s Campaign Against Their “Next Big Thing” Plus-Size Model Search; Explains Why Upton Didn’t Win

Last month, American Apparel launched a nationwide contest to find a plus-size model, in celebration of the brand’s addition of XL sizes to a couple of their styles. The contest, titled “The Next Big Thing,” was rife with euphemisms and jokes, which outraged many who felt that the contest was mocking, rather than celebrating plus-size women.

But no one felt stronger than Nancy Upton, who challenged American Apparel by entering the contest and submitting photos of herself gorging on food, and generally satirizing what she perceived to be the company’s misconceptions about plus-size women.

Of course, Upton actually wound up receiving the most votes in the contest, and should have won but the company decided to award the title of “Next Big Thing” to other contestants.

Now, The Frisky has alerted us to a letter American Apparel’s Creative Director Iris Alonzo sent to Upton, which Upton also published on her Tumblr this morning. The letter addresses both Upton’s campaign against the contest, and the reason why she didn’t win despite getting the most votes.

Alonzo begins by apologizing for offending Upton and to assert that, while the contest may have been misinterpreted, their “only motive was to discover and celebrate the many beautiful XL women around the globe who enjoy our brand, and to promote the recent size additions to our collection.”

Alonzo also responds to accusations that a sales rep allegedly told a shopper plus-size is “not [their] demographic,” something that Upton has referenced on her blog. Alonzo said in the letter:

I don’t recall the name of the confused employee credited with saying that, but he or she was sadly uninformed, and our company certainly does not endorse their statement. For as long as I can remember, we have offered sizes up to 3XL in our basic styles, and as far as adding larger sizes to the rest of our line is concerned, if there is the demand and manufacturing power to support it, we’re always game.

Alonzo also goes onto defend lawsuit-prone Executive Director Dov Charney saying that despite negative media reports, she can “represent a ton of people I know when I say that we really like Dov and we passionately believe in his vision for a beautiful factory with sustainable practices,” noting that the “sensational media will always need something to latch on to and success, spandex and individuality (and mutton chops circa 2004) are certainly easy targets.” We hardly believe that all of Charney’s sexual harassment issues have been because of his hairdo, however it is interesting to hear Alonzo’s take on the subject, as she’s woman who must work closely with Charney.

While Alonzo keeps it pretty classy throughout the letter, she does resort to some snarkiness on the subject of Upton being denied the winning title, saying that while she had the popular vote the company instead chose contestants they “feel truly exemplify the idea of beauty inside and out,” which seems to suggest that Upton is neither of those things in their eyes. (We wholeheartedly disagree.)

We actually kind of feel bad for American Apparel. It seems like no matter what the company does, it always leads to controversy. Then again, maybe that’s sort of the point–or as, Alonzo hints in her letter to Upton, “maybe the PR ups and downs are all part of our DNA as a company.”

PR stunt or not, American Apparel should not take people’s offense too lightly–a brand as large as they are have the power to really affect the general population’s psyche, and they should remember that behind the outraged buzz of a controversial PR stunt, are real people with hurt feelings.

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Fashion News Roundup: Mark Ronson Weds Josephine de la Baume in Style, Scarlett Johansson Channels Bardot, and Anne Hathaway Stuns in New Tod’s Campaign

Kim Who?: Mark Ronson wed Josephine de la Baume this weekend and, unsurprisingly, the duo–clad in a red pinstripe suit and cleavage-baring white gown (respectively)–look unbelievably fashionable. {PopSugar}

Paying Tribute or Shilling Champagne? Scarlett Johansson channels Brigitte Bardot in a Lulu Gainsbourg video for dad Serge Gainsbourg’s song “Bonnie & Clyde,” which features a gorgeous Johansson writhing around in what looks like a bed sheet and drinking champagne–and even features the young starlet’s vocals instead of Bardot’s. While the video is ostensibly a tribute to Gainsbourg, we think it looks a whole lot like an ad for Moet Chandon champagne, for which Johansson is also a spokesperson. {Huffington Post}

Something Is Really Off About Stella Tennant in Vogue Italia: See all the images from Vogue Italia‘s Ethel Granger-inspired shoot. Frightening. {Fashion Gone Rogue}

Wanna Cyber? Luxury brands are going to new lengths–like 3D e-stores and Facebook retail apps–to engage the online world. {New York Times}

Mark Your Calendars! Zara’s e-commerce site opens tomorrow! {Elle}

Bag It: Anne Hathaway looks stunning in new ad campaign for Tod’s shot by Mert & Marcus. {People Style Watch}

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Kardashian Sisters' Sexy Sears Lingerie Campaign

Posted Friday September 2, 2011 9:54 AM GMT

Teaming up for a sexy new ad campaign, Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian used their good looks in hopes of selling a little more product.

The E! reality sisters tossed on a little lingerie as they posed for world-renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz for a Kardashian Kollection Sears promotional effort

The photoshoot took place back in May, with Kim writing about the experience on her blog by telling, "What an amazing day! We shot with the living legend herself, Annie Leibovitz! I swear this was such an eye opening day. She shot our Kardashian Kollection for Sears ad campaign!"

The newlywed brunette beauty added, "I can’t give away any details, but we have never been shot like this before and it was soooo fun shooting with Kourtney and Khloe… Mason even made a cameo!"

Meanwhile, Miss Leibovitz was seemingly so taken by the Kardashian sisters that she's hosting a party for the ladies at her New York City studio next week.

Photo Credit: Annie Leibovitz for Sears

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Paz de la Huerta Will Flash the Paparazzi in Agent Provocateur’s New Campaign

If you’ve ever read an interview with her, seen her on the red carpet, or watched Boardwalk Empire, you know that Paz de la Huerta is one sexy gal–and she isn’t afraid to show it. Actually, that’s kind of all she talks about. So it was only a matter of time until a sexy company cashed in–and who better than Agent Provocateur?

“We always try and choose girls that are true Agent Provocateurs, and [Paz] definitely is AP through and through,” Agent Provocateur’s creative director Sarah Shotton told WWD. “She’s got an amazing body and she’s naturally very, very sexy.”

Paz will appear in the lingerie brand’s print ads as well as a series of short films that will air on agentprovocateur.com. According to WWD, Paz will play an “It Girl” who saucily flashes the paparazzi–not exactly a far cry from de la Heurta herself, who has been known on occasion to stumble home drunk from red carpet events, and is no stranger to flashing paparazzi either. At least now she’s getting paid for it!

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See Freja Cry Chanel Tear Drops in these Just-Released Behind the Scenes Photos of Chanel’s Fall Campaign

Chanel’s news site has just posted behind the scenes photos of the making of the brand’s fall campaign, Chanel Cocomaton. It’s a rare and refreshing peak into the magical world of Chanel. Even if revealing the process takes away from the magic, it’s worth it to see those tiny interlocking “C”s being placed oh-so-delicately with tweezers under Freja‘s eyes as if they were tears, or Freja cracking up at Karl as he photographs her in a photo booth in his famed library (note that the photo booth actually worked). But where was Carine?

Click through to see the photos.

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First Look: Alexa Chung for Madewell Fall 2011 Campaign Snaps

via The Fashion Spot

Behold: Alexa Chung for Madewell Fall 2011 campaign images. Aren’t they a beaut!?

Ever since we heard Alexa Chung would be reprising her role as guest designer at Madewell this fall, we’ve been on the edge of our seats–literally–to see what the fashion muse will come up with this time. Unsurprisingly, Chung does not disappoint.

We’re already dreaming about the cozy-looking sweater and on-trend lacy long sleeve tee, seen in these first three snaps from the campaign.

Of course it doesn’t hurt that Alexa, the campaign’s model, is so gorgeous we bet she could make a paper bag look cool–and get us to shill out $$ for it too.

See two more pictures from the campaign after the jump.

via Photo: via Elle.com via The Fashion Spot

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Rihanna Emporio Armani Ad Campaign Spokesmodel

Rihanna is the new face and body of Emporio Armani.

“Giorgio Armani is pleased to announce that Rihanna will be the new global testimonial for Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans from autumn/winter 2011-12,” announced a statement about her new role. “The advertising campaign featuring Rihanna, the singer who won a Grammy Award this year and who has sold over 20 million records worldwide, was shot on location in New York and will launch in September worldwide.”

The “Rude Boy” singer will appear in ads for the line’s fall-winter 2011-2012 collections, which were shot in New York City and are set to debut in September. RiRi follows in the footsteps David and Victoria Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and most recently Megan Fox as Armani celebrity ambassadors.

The modeling job is a big coup for Ri, who has already posed in ads for soft drink brand Vita Coco and a line of limited-edition Gucci bags. Earlier this year, Rihanna was named as spokesmodel for Nivea. The skin care giant teamed up with the Caribbean-born hitmaker to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Nivea even used Rihanna’s hit “California King Bed” in the campaign.

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