Taylor Swift’s engagement post has generated an exhausting amount of press, and yet, many media outlets do not seem to be talking about the fact that it seems like a blatant advertisement (allegedly).
Taylor and Travis wore matching Ralph Lauren outfits — he in a polo shirt and shorts, she in a linen dress that has now sold out. Conveniently, numerous media outlets published puff pieces — advertising tie-ins? — about her dress. Most notable is The New York Times itself, which featured the header, “The Ralph Lauren Look of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Engagement Photos.”
This type of article is called an advertorial: advertising that is meant to look like an editorial. It allows the publication to feature its advertising partners in a sort of soft ad disguised as journalistic content.
The actual proposal took place about two weeks ago. Also two weeks ago, Taylor appeared on Jason Kelce’s podcast with Travis. Clearly visible in the background is a biography of Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren: In His Own Fashion. Not a single brand mention, Easter egg, or reference is ever accidental with this woman.
If you were still on the fence, oh, look: several media outlets also published advertiser-friendly pieces about the books featured on Taylor’s bookshelf:
So…her wedding dress will almost certainly be Ralph Lauren, no?
FYI, if you are a real journalist who happens to be reading ONTD, please steal this topic idea and write about it!!! I feel like I am going crazy because nobody will talk about this!
source, source, plus me being sick of stealth celebrity product placement.
