I received a press release at the end of last week announcing a retro-inspired set of Christmas goodies from skincare brand, Dove.
“Oooh!” I thought, as I clicked to open the email for a better look.
“Oh.” I said, as the email revealed nothing of the sort.
Am I missing some crucial piece of retro-evidence here?
What in the name of full-skirted, fedora-wearing, seemingly wholesome, nothing-to-do-with-the-fifties kind of fuckery is this?
Just in case you thought I imagined it… let me indulge you with Dove’s idea about what these sets are supposed to represent…
Beauty lovers are in for a treat this Christmas as Dove launches a stunning Christmas gift collection with packaging inspired by the fabulous fifties, marking the era in which the beauty brand first launched.
In a throwback to those glamorous days, Dove is launching a beautifully packaged range of indulgent and nourishing necessities.
Sorry Dove, but sticking a tiny slightly 50s-inspired illustration on the part of the packaging that you THROW AWAY within two seconds of opening the gift, does not a 50s-inspired gift make.
Just so we’re clear. LAZY.
This properly made me laugh! You have such a good way with words
I really had to hunt for the retro illustration. I think these will sell, but I doubt it’ll be because of the packaging.
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What the?! This is not 50s in the slightest. It’s not even 60s or 70s 0r 80s. It’s just plain.
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Haha what on earth! How lazy. Do they perhaps mean that the bottle shapes are the same as they were in the 50s? I’m grasping at straws here…
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Your post made me laugh out loud! Hope the products are not expired. You know, retro = outdated?
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At times like this, I really wish I could raise one eyebrow.
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I love anything 50s, and can see nothing even vaguely 50s in that picture
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This is hilariously lazy. This stuff just doesn’t fly now that there are so many brands who actually put time and money into making their products look beautiful.
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Absolutely ♥ your blog! Following you now!! Follow me back??
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HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHah! I got that too and was perplexed by the fuckery.
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ROFL!!! Stoopid Dove. It would have been the easiest thing in the world too, a nice set of gift soaps in boudoir-y packaging, maybe with a ribbon or a black tassel or something a bit fancy. Why the hell I am not in charge of marketing for EVERYBODY I don’t know.
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erm yeah, sooooo 50′s
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Tiny wee slightly 50s looking illustrations on the bits you throw away does not equal “packaging inspired by the fabulous fifties”. Don’t know why they would even bother.
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And you know what’s really stupid? Dove gifts are really good and most people are glad to get one. Yes, they’re unimaginative but you know what, the deodorant/showergel/soap bar/ frilly shower puff thingy combo is a blooming winner! I had one from my godmother and it was a really good prezzy. I used the lot up. Because sometimes you need boring and dependable presents. Kind of the beauty version of socks. And a damn sight better than some presents I’ve had (yes, I’m looking at you, ex-boyf who gave me a socket set).
So making them rubbish by adding a naff wannabe 50s pic just undermines the classic, simple Dove giftset and points out that Dove would really like to be Soap and Glory. Oh dear. We have witnessed the birth of a phenomenon: the brand crush. Kind of like a girl crush but waaaaaaay less groovy.
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God I love your honesty! Brilliant post.
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I stumbled across your blog and this post just made me addd you to my favourites. …’ What in the name of full-skirted, fedora-wearing, seemingly wholesome, nothing-to-do-with-the-fifties kind of fuckery is this?’ …hilarious! You rock;) thanks for the honesty I’ll be checking back regularly
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