Because last week's episode of
America's Next Top Model was a two-parter, viewers were treated not merely to one, but to two of Cycle 10 winner Whitney Thompson's "My Life as a Covergirl" TV commercials. And while the
first spot provided viewers with a soft, lovely introduction to Whitney, the second boldly celebrated her natural curves.
The conceit of the ad is a candid glimpse of Whitney's meetings with various clients. The real brilliance of the commercial, however, derives from the styling. While the wardrobe is simple and casual, notice how effectively it defines Whitney's plus-size figure.
The camera also provides many stunning close-ups of Whitney's breathtaking facial features. Here, her face exhibits a thrilling touch of richly-merited pride. Notice the use of chic headwear in these commercials--a beret in the previous ad, and a face-framing hat in this one.
In clips of Whitney having her Polaroids taken, notice how the body-embracing top unambiguously displays her beautifully rounded figure.
Whitney's smiling expression in the following close-up offers an interesting counterpoint to the steamy, pouty headshot seen above. Fans are still divided as to which demeanour--serious or joyful--best shows off Miss Thompson's beauty. The truth is that she is equally lovely with either mien.
A shot of the model walking down a New York street vividly exhibits her luscious contours.
But the finest still from the ad is the following, which not only celebrates the model's buxom allure, but even reveals a highly sensual touch of softness at her waist, seen pressing against her belt.
Obviously enthralled by Whitney, the CoverGirl cameraman couldn't help coming in closer, to obtain a tight shot of her sumptuous curves.
Notice how this shot subtly exhibits Whitney's Elite portfolio--reminding viewers that Miss Thompson is the first (and only) plus-size model ever signed with what is arguably the most prestigious agency in the world.
A profile view captures Whitney's loveliest facial feature--the slight curve under her chin (that most feminine indicator of well-fed beauty).
Notice, in the following image of a Polaroid shoot, an extremely agreeable reversal of expected body-types. Here, it is the client who is underweight, while the
model is full-figured. This is a subtle but effective "turn in thinking," a tiny aesthetic revolution that will quietly impress itself on viewers' minds.
It represents yet another step in Whitney's mission to redefine what the concept of "model" means in present-day society--restoring the Classical definition of the word, which held a model to be
an extraordinarily gorgeous woman with generously-proportioned curves and a soft, feminine figure.
And with the face of an angel as well.
For producing such memorable ads with Miss Thompson, CoverGirl richly deserves a plug, and its manner of promoting itself in these commercials is very chic. This shot of Whitney beautifying herself while gazing into her compact mirror (note the CG monogram) invokes a traditional depiction of the goddess Aphrodite, whom artists throughout history have shown admiring the loveliness of her own reflection.
The commercial ends with two final images of Miss Thompson emerging from her meeting--allowing the cameraman one more opportunity to show off her buxom charms.
Although one always wishes that Whitney were fuller-figured, she does look curvaceous in this commercial. The model life clearly agrees with her, and she is representing naturally-proportioned femininty quite effectively.
Bravo, as always, to Miss Thompson for such an exemplary presentation. And kudos of the highest order to CoverGirl, for allowing her to show off her plus-size beauty in such an undisguised, celebratory way.
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