JFK was an Abercrombie and Fitch fan?

Can you tell what this picture advertises? If it were in a magazine, would you know what it was for? I bet you do recognize it. But why? This model is not wearing any clothes!
This is what many, many people are wondering about the advertising methods of Abercrombie and Fitch.

Since its start in 1892, Abercrombie and Fitch Co. has worked its way up to being a household name, recognizable all over the nation. But many are not aware of what A&F originally was: a retail store for the sporting expeditions of New York's elite. Katharine Hepburn, JFK, Charles Lindbergh, and Clark Gable were all frequent shoppers at Abercrombie & Fitch. It is even believed that the gun Ernest Hemingway used to commit suicide was bought at A&F. Up until 1988, A&F was an honest company just trying to sell some sporting equipment. But then things changed.

In 1988, The Limited Inc. bought A&F, determined to revive the sales. CEO Mike Jefferies completely changed the feel of Abercrombie and Fitch over the next decade; marketing the store towards teens and young adults. Branching out to abercrombie kids, Hollister Co., and RUEHL 925, Abercrombie and Fitch has broadened its horizons to encompass anyone between the ages of seven and mid-thirties.

But the recent controversy has nothing to do with Abercrombie and Fitch's history. In 1993, a new campaign was launched in hopes of creating a more successful company. Suddenly, A&F's shopping bags, billboards, and even magazines featured attractive, half-naked young adults in sexually suggestive positions. Sales skyrocketed.

Advertised as "humor tees", A&F sells shirts that say "my lucky number is 3, bring a friend", "sotally tober", "awkward mornings beat boring nights" and "who needs a brain when you have these?". Slogans such as these are bought up by the dozen in hopes of making a teen more popular. Billboards and magazines are extremely risque and seem to feature more skin than fabric. So, how are pictures of naked people annually selling a record breaking number of teenage apparall?

A recent survey showed that 32% of consumers are more likely to buy a product if it is sensually endorsed. Experts believe this to be so because it is human nature to be desired. Companies are playing genius when they advertise a product in conjuction with sex or affection. So consumers are falling into the trap of buying a product in hopes that it will increase their attractiveness.

If you were to walk into any Abercrombie & Fitch owned company, here is what would be encountered: young, attractive employees (mostly Caucasian), loud music, dim lights, overwhelming cologne, insane prices, and, if you're lucky, half naked live-models that you can take pictures with. A&F certanly isn't going anywhere, but who knows, maybe soon you'll have to be over 18 to buy their magazine.