Controversial Ad Intended To Be “Thought Provoking”, Says Equinox

Last week, we told you all about how Equinox’s skinny model choices for its newest campaign caused uproar. Read the gym’s response here!

Skinny female model in Equinox ad shot by Terry Richardson
Skinny female model in Equinox ad shot by Terry Richardson

Last week, we told you all about how Equinox’s skinny model choices for its newest campaign caused uproar among its gym members as well as with fitness models here at Models Direct.

It seems that in casting super skinny female fashion models alongside athletically built male models, the high-end health club has sent a controversial message about fitness.

Sure, one of the top reasons people go to the gym may be to lose weight, but surely the gym knew that choosing wiry female models would attract criticism? And if not, just what message did Equinox intend to convey with these images?

Well, be curious no more. The chain has broken its silence about the controversy, with executive creative director Bianca Kosoy telling WWD: “Our campaigns exist at the intersection between fitness and fashion; they are intended to be thought provoking and to generate discussion through their deliberate synthesis of personal motivation and high fashion photography.”

Discussions were indeed generated and thoughts provoked, but we’re not so sure about these shots acting as “personal motivation”?

This may come as a surprise Equinox, but not everybody aspires to be stick thin.