Lauren Nipp's Blog

Most people have probably heard of the name Dolce and Gabbana before but lately this company has come under controversy for their advertising posters and campaigns. Dolce and Gabbana are two Italian designers that have created a fashion empire and have used advertisement campaigns to promote their brand. In the fashion world, it is not uncommon to “push the envelope” but some think their advertisements have gone too far. 

According to Sarah Stefanson, a blogger on the Models and Moguls website, critics have interpreted some of the advertisements as “depictions of gang rape, violence and even necrophilia.” Perhaps the most controversial ad of all though is one of a man holding down a women by the wrists while other men are standing around, signifying gang rape. While Dolce and Gabbana defended the ad saying it was just artistic expression and had nothing to do with real life, they eventually felt pressure from the government and the public to pull it. 

However, while there are many critics, Dolce and Gabbana do have some supporters. Kevin O’Malley, the vice president and publisher of Esquire magazine that ran the gang rape ad at the time, defended the company’s right to artistic expression. With famous supporters like Madonna, Angelina Jolie, and Kylie Minogue, the brand clearly doesn’t need all the controversy. The question is, does it help though? Also, do you think the advertisements are simply an expression of their art or have they gone too far?

Recently launched in North America in November 2010, the Kinect for Xbox 360 was released as a gaming system with no controller. With a peripheral sensory device that reacts to gestures and spoken commands, the Kinect serves as an interactive way to play electronic games as well as connect with friends and family.

This product was created so Xbox could keep up with its competitors, Wii and PlayStation 3 which also consist of sensory games but with controllers. The Kinect was marketed to people of all ages who were not only seeking entertainment but fitness activities. Without the hassle and technological problems of dealing with a controller, the Kinect may also entice the older generations or young children to purchase the product as it is easier to use. At a time of New Year`s fitness resolutions, it was a smart idea to market the idea around Christmas time.

According to the Game Spot website, Kinect bought in 2.5 million dollars by December 2010 beating the Nintendo Wii and Play Station 3. Although it has been a tough year for the gaming industry, Kinect has done well largely because of its marketing strategy. Kinect has reportedly spent $500 million on its marketing. Robert Matthews, Xbox`s general manager of global marketing communications said, “Kinect is the largest, most integrated marketing initiative in Xbox history, bigger than [the Xbox 360’s] launch.” Not only did they market to television, print media, and food and drink but they partnered with Pepsi, Burger King, and Kellogg`s to advertise the product.

Although it is a neat concept, I think the novelty of this new technology will wear off. The games which you can play with the Kinect are more suited towards little kids and are family oriented. Most of the gaming population are teens and men who will probably opt for games with more action that they can`t play on the Kinect. With decent sales though, I guess only time will tell.