Female image the time of #metoo: Fashion, perfume, and cosmetic advertisements

Abstract

This research analyzes the female stereotypes presented in graphic advertisements for luxury fashion, perfume, and cosmetic brands in Spain. It identifies the beauty stereotypes with which women are portrayed. This empirical work represents a continuation of the studies carried out by Díaz-Soloaga since 2005, to analyze the evolution of the representation of women in graphic advertising. Content analysis of 168 advertisements published in the fashion titles Elle, Glamour, Telva, Vogue, and Woman Madame Figaro was carried out. The main result was the observation of six female profiles that are remarkably similar to those identified in previous studies, thus confirming the permanence of the same beauty stereotypes. Although some progress is observed, advertising of luxury fashion, perfume, and cosmetic brands continues to display stereotypes that contribute to an inaccurate image of women. It is paradoxical that, in the context of current feminine demands, instead of empowering their audience, fashion magazines contribute to their pigeonholing using dependent, narcissistic, and highly sexualized images.