What's Up With That?

Marshall Field's Responds

We shared our criticism of Skrebneski's Clean-Cut, with Marshall Field's, and we invited the company to respond.  Below is the response. 

In the end, we think the question still stands: Is it art or degradation?  You decide.

 

Pictured left is Marshall Field's Clean-Cut print ad as it appeared in the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, November 26, 2002.

Dear Dan:

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your “What’s Up With That?” column.

Marshall Field’s has been delighted to partner with world-renown photographer and Chicago icon Victor Skrebneski for our company’s 150^th anniversary celebration.  In fact, Mr. Skrebneski’s photography career began with his first fashion assignment for Marshall Field’s in 1952.  Today he is one of the world’s most prolific and acclaimed fashion, beauty and portrait photographers.

“Clean-Cut” is one of 13 ads in Marshall Field’s 150^th anniversary campaign, “The View From State Street.”  This campaign features cutting-edge fashions with unique and creative depictions of classic Field’s traditions, including our 28 Shop, Frango mints, Great Clock and display windows at our State Street store.

Your creative interpretation of “Clean-Cut” was not our intent.  Marshall Field’s respects and values the individuality of all of our team members and guests.  Most of our guests and team members are women, and as both a company and a corporation we have won numerous awards for our commitment to women’s issues.

Marshall Field’s recruits and hires a diverse workforce to reflect the communities we serve.  We also develop products and service that reflect the diverse needs of the marketplace.

We appreciate your feedback regarding “Clean-Cut” and will keep your concerns in mind in the future.

Best Regards,

Heidi Weaver

Public Relations Manager

Marshall Field’s