WHERE SUCCESSFUL ADVERTISING MEETS LGBT EQUALITY

Calvin Klein, Tom Hintnaus, Olympic Pole Vaulter

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This image of Brazilian Olympic pole vaulter Tom Hintnaus -- while not intended to be gay or primarily appeal to gays -- is a breakthrough image that lead to the acceptability of the male form in mainstream American advertising. Featuring Y-front fly briefs, it debuted in New York City's Times Square and took underwear ads -- previously unsexy with Baltimore Orioles pitcher Jim Palmer -- to a new level. They featured Hintnaus leaning back like a Greek adonis, emphasizing his crotch and clearly visible penis.

It was created by photographer Bruce Weber (later of Banana Republic and then Abercrombie & Fitch fame) and creative partner Sam Shahid.

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User Comments
Jeff Taylor
I love this ad. I wish I could find a poster of it.