Controversy: The Perfect Body Campaign

Written across the bodies of 10 Victoria's Secret angels lie the words The Perfect "Body". Below the enlarged text a caption states: "Perfect fit. Perfect comfort. Perfectly soft." Behind the bold, white letters, models stand in staggered poses showcasing different styles of underwear. They are all posed in front of a white backdrop, with a description underneath each girl, depicting what specific style she is modeling. The models all have copycat characteristics, such as long, styled hair, a slender bodice, and toned physique. 8 of the 10 models are of Caucasian descent, with the darkest model standing at the margins of the ad.

Launched in October 2014, the Victoria’s Secret “Perfect Body” campaign sparked instantaneous national outrage shortly after its initial release. Controversy on what sort of message the lingerie company was presenting raised eyebrows, as buyers didn’t know how to feel about the ad. The Victoria’s Secret “Perfect Body” advertisement, while effective, pushes negative stereotypes on the definition of perfect

By applying persuasive techniques such as appeal and cause and effect, the ad stands out to women who hold the desire to look good. In a subtle sense, it's as if the ad was attempting to unconsciously convince targeted consumers that if they were to purchase Victoria's Secret lingerie, they too could have the perfect body. Unfortunately, neither purchasing nor wearing the advertised lingerie would result in obtaining such ideal image. There are a variety of factors left out of the equation, and therefore unadvertised because of the directed focal point. The persuasive techniques used are explicitly for the sole purpose of selling the advertised item, as the ad doesn't take its dishonest messages into consideration. This form of deception is important due to the false, visual claims it presents, with no regard of consumer feelings or assumptions about the