"Specialty clothing retailers this fall want to let shoppers know that they, too, are a brand" Questions

1. Select a quote from this article and explain how it relates to clothing advertising and brand identity.
''This campaign was designed to build top-of-mind awareness,'' said Catherine Sadler, the executive vice president of marketing at Ann Taylor. ''And to position us as accessible and relevant to our customers' lives.''
Brands want to always be hovering in consumers minds. When a woman thinks, "I need a new dress to wear to that party next week," brands want her next thought to be the name of their store. Too be more accessible, stores are advertising more everyday clothing items. Instead of a woman just thinking of their store for a dress she should also think of it when all she wants to buy is a t-shirt and a pair of jeans.

2. What are some examples of clothing companies that have iconic advertisements? Include an image of one of  your examples and explain what it says about the brand. Who are they marketing to? What are they selling (both physically and reflectively)?

Anthropologie's advertisements are always beautiful photographs that look like art. This image plays into the idea that their target audience is imaginative and adventurous. The gauzy fabric and chandelier also give it a romantic feeling. There is only one person in the photo, she does not need other people with her to feel secure. The clothing items don't exactly match but they complement each other. This gives the idea that they could be paired with other items from the store to create more outfits. This is a store for people who dream outside the box and want their clothing to reflect that.

3. How has brand image influenced your decision to buy or not buy clothing? Do the clothes define the people, or do the people define the clothes?
Clothing is an important part of who people are. First impressions have a lot to do with what someone is wearing and how they carry themselves. In these moments, people are defined by their clothes but when you know someone better you see how their clothing is a reflection of their personality.
I tend to focus on individual clothing items I like instead of the brand that it comes from. That having been said, there are many stores  I will not go into because I don't think I will like anything based on how they brand their company. This includes stores like Hollister or Abercrombie and Fitch.