It’s been a tough 18 months for Rob Pattinson. Between breaking up with his girlfriend Bella and suffering the backlash from his infamous wedding photos, the 26-year-old has been through a lot. Now that he’s single again, he’s taking the opportunity to re-evaluate his life and craft a brand new identity. One that doesn’t fit into the conventional mold of a ‘boy next door’. Inspired by Italian fashion house Diesel’s latest fragrance campaign, Pattinson’s new commercial for Cologne is an ode to masculinity and tradition.
In the ad, the former Twilight star dons a white shirt with leather straps and a collar adorned with a large gold buckle. The shirt is open at the chest, revealing a golden chain with a black tiger’s head on it. Black pants with brown trim, a leather jacket, and a plain black hat complete the look.
Pattinson’s attire is typical of a man in today’s world. Gone are the days where only certain groups of people were allowed to wear white shirts and leather jackets. This isn’t the 1950s anymore. A lot has changed in the past few years, and not just in terms of fashion. We’re living in a time where men are gaining more confidence, owning their sexuality, and feeling proud of what they wear. A time where women aren’t afraid to speak up if they don’t feel respected, and where traditional gender roles are becoming less defined.
As the face of one of the most anticipated new products of 2020, it’s important to recall that Rob Pattinson is no ordinary model. Over the past five years, he’s grown into a prominent figure in men’s magazines. Not only is he one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, he’s also graced the covers of some of the most prominent men’s lifestyle magazines. Most notably, GQ. So, it should come as no surprise that Cologne’s new fragrance commercial would be a reflection of today’s modern man.
Why Diesel
If you’ve been following fashion in recent years, you’ll know that Diesel is one of the most prominent fashion houses in the world. Perhaps most famous for their high-quality leather garments and workwear, the Italian fashion house is known for their traditional masculine styles and emphasis on quality over quantity. Naturally, Diesel’s fragrances are also amongst the best in the industry. So, it’s no surprise that the Italian fashion house would choose Rob Pattinson to represent their products.
Diesel’s Vision For A Modern Man
To fully understand the significance of Rob Pattinson’s commercial for Cologne, it’s important to examine the fashion house’s vision for a modern man. As mentioned, Diesel is a company that values quality over quantity. This is evident in their approach to marketing as well. According to the Italian fashion house, men are feeling empowered and inspired by embracing a more sophisticated, mature look. So, it was only natural that they would choose Pattinson as their face for the new fragrance campaign.
Diesel’s chief marketing officer Sebastiano Rokahr said in a statement that the company is proud to team up with one of the most talented and recognized actors in the world. They saw in Rob Pattinson “the perfect face to represent their ideal man: bold, strong, and confident.”
Based on the feedback that the company has received so far, Diesel appear to have hit upon a style that men are both proud and excited to wear. The majority of the reviews that the company has published focus on this aspect of Pattinson’s appeal – his confidence and ability to exude sex appeal.
However, not all of the feedback has been positive. Several of Diesel’s customers have pointed out that they feel the brand has shifted towards a more feminine image. One customer, for example, said that they were “bothered” by the fact that the majority of the models that appear in the ad campaign are “less masculine.” Similarly, one customer said that they feel the partnership with Rob Pattinson is a “step back in time.”
It’s not just the models that have attracted backlash. Several customers have also complained that the fragrance’s advertising campaign is overly sexualized. In particular, one customer said that they feel the ad is “degrading” to women. While another said that they feel the fashion house is “sexually objectifying” their customers. So, even if you’re a diehard fan of Rob Pattinson, it’s important to keep in mind that Diesel is a company that has historically shied away from overly sexual imagery. So, it’s important to judge their new fragrance on its own merits rather than judge the model or the ads that the company has chosen to use to represent it. If you’re still not convinced, perhaps consider this. In today’s world, a man’s vanity license plate is often a reflection of his personality. In Italy, they’ve taken this a step further, and now men can choose which animal they want to be associated with. For example, if you were to select a leopard as your vanity license plate, you would embody all of the strength and fierceness of a jungle predator. Or, if you wanted to show off your love for French fashion, you could get a frog plastered on your car. It’s not often that you get the chance to express yourself in such a unique way, so be sure to take advantage of it.
The Evolution Of A Model
Over the past five years, we’ve seen an evolution in the way that men dress. Gone are the days where boxers and rugby players were the only ones who sported tattoos. Today, people of all walks of life are getting inked, and it’s becoming commonplace to see people with elaborate tattoos on their bodies. Naturally, this has had an effect on the way that men advertise themselves. Wherever you turn, you’re either seeing someone with a tattoo, or about to see one. This isn’t a coincidence. The body-piercing and tattoo parlors that were once the exclusive domain of gangsters and cult members have now become common places. It’s an expression of individuality and creativity. And, as a result, we’ve seen an increase in both male and female customers. So, it’s no mystery why so many men are flocking to get inked.
The Appeal Of A Traditional Male Identity
It’s important to point out that there’s more than one reason why men are embracing a more traditional identity. One reason is that they feel more comfortable expressing themselves in non-traditional ways. And, while this may be shocking to some, it’s important to remember that men are taking back their power. They’re no longer afraid to show off their emotions, and they’re proud of who they are and what they stand for. This is evident in the plethora of memes, Instagram posts, and Twitter threads that feature masculine imagery. It’s also important to point out that this newfound confidence is not entirely exclusive to men. Women are starting to show a more relaxed and natural side as well.
Diesel’s Takeaway
All things must come to an end. Even the most inspiring fashion house can’t make the world revolve around them. While Rob Pattinson’s new fragrance commercial for Cologne is a reflection of today’s modern masculine identity, it’s also important to keep in mind that not everything about it is positive. As a fashion house, Diesel is used to receiving both positive and negative feedback. Some of their customers feel that they’ve lost their masculinity, whereas others feel that they’ve found it. Ultimately, it’s important to consider the good, the bad, and the ugly of anything new that you encounter. It’s also important to try and understand the vision of the brand or company that you’re working with. While there’s undoubtedly a huge crossover between fashion and film, it’s still important to remember that you’re not actually modeling for a fashion house – you’re modeling for a commercial brand. So, it’s all about the money, and it’s important to keep this in mind.