Billie Eilish’s Calvin Klein Campaign is a Campaign about Body Shaming

via Elle

Calvin Klein has rolled out their latest star-studded campaign: “I Speak My Truth in #MyCalvins”, featuring the likes of Shawn Mendes, Noah Centineno, Chika and Billie Eilish. Known for their provocative and borderline voyeuristic advertisements, Calvin Klein’s 30 second clip with Eilish in particular opens up a conflicting discussion of beauty standards for the brand.  

Eilish, one of the most creative artists at the moment (of all time, imo) at just 17 years old, has earned her status through her artistic talent. From her lyrics and her vocals, to her creative direction of her debut visual album, Eilish forces you to focus on her music. While it can be argued that her baggy hip-hop/skater style is part of her overall artistic aesthetic--  her neutral clothing gives us no chance to judge her body; only her music. A style choice Eilish’s notes in her campaign as being intentional.

“I never want the world to know everything about me. That’s why I wear big, baggy clothes. Nobody can have an opinion because they haven't seen what’s underneath. Nobody can have an opinion because they haven't seen what’s underneath. Nobody can be like, ‘she’s slim-thick,’ ‘she’s not slim-thick,’ ‘she’s got a flat ass,’ ‘she's got a fat ass.’”

Though said with a giggle, Eilish’s #MyTruth statement reveals a layer of fear of body shaming fans thought Eilish was absolved from.  However, as a female artist in the public eye, she reminds us that she is not.

Billie’s truth is a truth for a lot of women, and some men. Truths with foundations built from public shaming. Truths unveiled in our culture’s entitlement to define beauty standards based off a Western perspective. Calvin Klein has always profited off the utilization of the male gaze in their campaigns. Their advertisements reinforce the Western standard of beauty. However Billie’s truth for the campaign which allowed her to be herself, hopefully introduces a deeper conversation of how we determine and discuss beauty.