The State of Expat Advertising
This one’s for the folks outside of Shanghai.
If you live in Shanghai, you are almost certainly aware of this advertisement for the high-end Dragonfly Spa which, prior to this campaign, emphasized its classical Chinese roots. In fact, there’s evidence to suggest that I may have been the last expat in Shanghai to see this campaign (it seems to have been placed, full page, in every English-language magazine in Shanghai). But whatever. There’s much to admire here … and to admire it in all of its glory and color, click on the thumb below to get an expanded image. I think, as details go, nothing quite beats the lower lip bite.
As it happens, I know people who know this model (he is not a professional model – go figure), and though I’m not at liberty to divulge what was said to me in regard to this image, suffice it to say that there is puzzlement all around.
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Even without knowing any of the details about how this picture became part of this ad campaign, I think there are many morals to this story we can infer……..
Comment by ambrose — September 22, 2008 @ 11:47 am
I was thinking is was Frank from Arch…. was a really odd advert either way and reminds me more of a nail salon than their shops
Comment by Allroads — September 22, 2008 @ 11:47 am
IT IS FRANK FROM ARCH, well actually AFP, he always wears that nail polish
Comment by jules — September 23, 2008 @ 8:28 am
Frank is HOT. If I were him, I’d leave that gorgeous hairy chest unwaxed.
Comment by Mark — September 23, 2008 @ 8:30 am
I too have seen this ad and am puzzled. Especially in context to their previous ads.
Can only say it must’ve been a lapse of judgement or else a bold move for greater publicity.
Comment by ddd — September 23, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
Note: If you ever appear in an ad like this its time to give up and go home.
Comment by jo — September 23, 2008 @ 7:31 pm