Okay, so as I was checking out The Beat, which is Publishers Weekly’s blog about comic books. Generally, like most comic book blogs, it provides readers with news and reviews on most things comic book related. I was really excited to see this post, which highlighted a video that artist James Jean did for Prada.
In an internet age, I can’t believe that Prada had no intention of this video circulating throughout the comic book community. James Jean has been drawing stunning comic book covers for about 7 years now, and is an industry favourite. I do not feel it is a stretch to say that whatever James Jean puts out, comic book fans are interested in.
So when Prada and Vimeo comission this video from Jean, they already know what audience they are nabbing. True on the one hand, Jean makes very pretty art which would attract many viewers, but comic book fans aren’t necessarily Prada’s bread and butter. This is an artist who would attract a different demographic than normal to be interested in their advertisement. I see this as an interesting capitalization on the reputation of another for benefit. I know it’s not the first time, but it’s one of the more interesting ploys to attract a demographic I identify with.
Also, the Cocorosie song providing the soundtrack draw in Cocorosie fans, or indie music afficionadoes in general. I’m interested in how these synergetic elements are being used to attract a very, I’d say, “Hipster-chic” demographic.
The video itself is using the story of Eve in the Garden of Eden, who upon eating the forbidden fruit clothes herself to hide her shame. If you have to get dressed, why not wear Prada?
Andrew T
interesting. i wonder what thomas frank would say…