Is Abercrombie & Fitch The Golden Ticket To A-List Celeb Status?
It’s time to pay homage to a social media trend that is not going to disappear any time soon – the #ThrowbackThursday, (or as it’s commonly known on social apps such as Instagram; #TBT) is the perfect opportunity for users to show off their memories from the past. Be it childhood pictures, life-changing moments, or even an unforgettable experience, the Throwback Thursday trend has taken the social media world by storm. Naturally, we wanted to jump on the bandwagon – so to speak – so we did our research and uncovered some gold! It’s time to look at the celebs who surprisingly kickstarted their A-List career in Abercrombie & Fitch ads.
Abercrombie & Fitch’s Marketing Campaigns
Abercrombie & Fitch, (or A&F as it is often referred to) is known for its racy marketing photography usually featuring semi-nude males and females in outdoor 'active' settings for an increased tone of sexuality.
For its marketing campaigns, A&F casts store employees and other talent sourced specifically for the ad campaign. When casting A&F employees, the casting directors from the home office travel to key A&F regional stores in the United States and to London to hold "casting calls" for employees aspiring to become the next "A&F New Face." But it seems that even in the early days, the celebs got special treatment!
Jennifer Lawrence
Lawrence’s big break began when she was discovered at the age of 14 while on spring break in New York with her family. After being invited to a screen test, Lawrence decided to stay in New York for the summer where she was employed as an A&F model, as well as acting in commercials for MTV's television show "My Super Sweet 16," and the thriller "Devil You Know."
After her success in New York, Lawrence's family relocated to Los Angeles to leverage their daughter's blossoming career. Now, Lawrence is one of the hottest A-List actresses on the scene. And it all started one summer in New York with A&F!
Taylor Swift
Believe it or not, Miss Taylor Swift was once a fresh-faced (at times emotional) A&F model. Prior to her A&F days, Swift started her singing career by singing at a variety of local events including fairs and contests. She sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a Philadelphia 76ers game at the age of 11, and began writing her own songs and learning guitar at 12 years old.
Sometime during her busy childhood career, she found some time to do some modeling for A&F. The campaign photographs showed off Swift's personality as the images featured her holding a guitar.
A&F isn’t the only brand Swift has modeled for. Since breaking out in the music industry, Swift has also modeled for the cosmetics brand Cover Girl.
Lindsay Lohan
Prior to her tumultuous 20s lifestyle, Lindsay Lohan got her start as a child model and commercial actress. Lohan was a busy child model/actress, as the star of more than 60 television spots and 100 print ads for clients like Toys"R"Us, Duncan Hines, and of course, A&F. This impressive portfolio grabbed Disney's casting agent, and helped Lohan land the film role of twin sisters in the 1998 remake of 'The Parent Trap'.
The movie performed well at the box office, making more than $92 million globally, and furthered Lohan into the spotlight - prior to her well-publicized wild party lifestyle made Lohan the talk of Tinsel Town - and not for the best reasons!
Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum was born in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. She started her modeling career at the age of 18 after winning a contest in her native Germany. Prior to her win, Klum had planned on becoming a designer.
Klum decided to move to New York following her win and eventually landed work with the lingerie company 'Victoria's Secret', which helped raise her profile in the modeling world. Soon she appeared on the cover of the 1998 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, an honor coveted by many models. While her hourglass shape was not a fit for the runways, Klum became a fashion favorite, appearing in such magazines as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire and Harper's Bazaar. She also lent her flawless looks to A&F (sporting no less than her undies, of course).
Though A&F can't be credited for finding the star, they did jump on the Klum bandwagon in a strategic marketing move that proved successful!
Emma Roberts
Emma Roberts first gained attention as the daughter of actor Eric Roberts, (and she also just so happens to be the niece of megastar Julia Roberts)!
Emma Roberts didn't need to lean on her aunt's A-List status to establish herself. She quickly landed her modeling gig at A&F, and her first film role alongside Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz in the 2001 blockbuster "Blow." This was shortly followed by roles in shows like "Nancy Drew," and the Nickelodeon series "Unfabulous."
Roberts wasted no time transitioning from Tween to Adult roles, including the role of attending Sarah Lawrence College, before returning to acting full-time. Though A&F wasn't the only thing that helped launch this young A-Lister's acting career, it certainly can be credited in the journey!
Abercrombie & Fitch – Who Will They Launch Next?
So, there you have it! A throwback, and look at how the A-List careers started for these five celebrities. Do you have any suggestions for what we can look at for our next Throwback Thursday-themed blog? Comment and let us know! You can also read more about celebrity children and their blossoming modeling careers here.
Are you interested in learning how to successfully partner celebrities to your brand - without spending a million? Watch this short webinar to learn Hollywood insider tricks to create and kickstart an entertainment marketing campaign that is the perfect extension for your social media program.
