Here's Why Nine West's New Ad Campaign Is Offending So Many Women

Popular shoe brand is put in the hot seat for their new marketing tactic

By Mike Vulpo Aug 05, 2014 10:08 PMTags
Nina West AdsNina West

These shoes are made for controversy!

Nine West is facing backlash from some of its most loyal customers after releasing a controversial marketing campaign late last week.

Some of the most memorable ads include one that reads "Anticipatory walk of shame" with a woman carrying flip-flops and a Nine West handbag. Another ad features leopard Nine West heel with the words, "Starter Husband Hunting."

As soon as the pictures were posted on the company's Facebook page, consumers immediately began sharing their disappointment with the new campaign. 

Nina West

"Stupid campaign 9W. Love your shoes but don't patronize your customers by an outdated ideal," said one Facebook user. "Women are hunting success and goals, dreams and visions. Not husbands."

Another outraged user posted, "Apparently, your marketing team must be comprised of misogynists."

Erika Szychowski, who serves as senior vice president of marketing for Nine West, says the ads take on a traditional strategy of suggesting occasions for shoes, but with an extra added flair.

Nina West

"We have to change the way we talk about occasions because women are modern now and shop for a different reason," Szychowski told the New York Times. Styles in "Starter husband hunting," for example, might once have been called night-on-the-town shoes, she said.

And while many may see the ads as offensive or demeaning, a few consumers find the campaign funny and clever.

"I love love love your new campaign ad," one Facebook user shared. "It's very funny I can relate to it especially when I was in my 20's to early 30's. Man I swear I messed up some Nine West heels having a night on the town with the girls."