i love signs

So, I've really become more aware of advertisements, and I like looking at their meanings. I think this is so fun. :)



Here we have an ad for E!'s new show, Running in Heels. It's a reality show that depicts what "really" happens at Marie Claire magazine. I love this ad. The creativity is what makes it appealing to me. However, it has a connotative meaning that can mean different things to different people.

This show is all about style, so having a sharp, black stiletto be the main focus is an obvious choice. But what makes it original are the notches carved into the heel. By each notch it lists positions, starting at intern and moving up to editor-in-chief. Notches are used for keeping record, generally. But a common phrase associated with notches now-a-days is, "another notch in the bed post," which, if the ad is taken in that direction, makes it more edgy.

Stilettos are made to improve the look of the female form. They elongate legs and give a lift to body parts that look good lifted, so I half expect some of their intention for the notches is to remind people of the above mentioned phrase. However, the ad describes what each of the notches represents, and I think that is the company’s way of maintaining professionalism, but implying seduction. Basically saying, “Think what you want, but that isn’t what we meant.”