Jump directly to the content
Video
STORM IN A D-CUP

Sexiest EVER lingerie advert is banned after complaints it resembled ‘amateur porn’

2011 Australia’s Next Top Model winner Simone Holtznagel poses in a series of sexual positions while wearing Playboy underwear

A LINGERIE campaign video has been banned due to its overly explicit content.

The controversial film, which played in Bra N Things stores, featured 2011 Australia’s Next Top Model winner Simone Holtznagel posing in a series of sexual positions – described as “amateur porn” in complaints – while dressed in Playboy underwear.

 Simone Holtznagel models Playboy lingerie in the campaign video
9
Simone Holtznagel models Playboy lingerie in the campaign videoCredit: Bra N Things

The racy advert, which shows Simone clad in lace bras, see-through pants and stockings, features provocative close-ups of her body.

A series of complaints to the Australian Advertising Standards Bureau (AASB) forced the brand to pull the adverts, claiming the in-store screens were so large, seeing it was “unavoidable”.

“This was in an ordinary public place, with children and families there, why should they be confronted with it in a shopping mall,” read one complaint.

 The film features close-up shots of her cleavage and body
9
The film features close-up shots of her cleavage and bodyCredit: Bra N Things
 Simone has hit back at the criticism on Instagram
9
Simone has hit back at the criticism on InstagramCredit: Bra N Things

Another read: “It was vulgar, unsuitable for the young and simply demeaning for any woman walking past.”

While another moaned: “They were not merely modelling the underwear, they were moving suggestively, gyrating and looking lasciviously at the camera — like a very amateur porn movie.

“It was a demeaning and embarrassing display.”

 Shoppers were outraged at the videos sexually explicit content
9
Shoppers were outraged at the videos sexually explicit contentCredit: Bra N Things
 Simone won the 2011 series of Australias Next Top Model
9
Simone won the 2011 series of Australias Next Top ModelCredit: Bra N Things

Bras N Things said they received “very little feedback from customers” and “do not feel that it has breached any advertising standards”.

As a matter of “respect” to shopping centres, the video has been replaced with pictures.

“The video advertisement is playing on digital screens in our store window in limited stores. There is no sound with the video, it is imagery only,” the retailer said.

 Simone is seen modelling a strapy orange bra and knickers set
9
Simone is seen modelling a strapy orange bra and knickers set
 The video was compared to an "amateur porn" film
9
The video was compared to an "amateur porn" filmCredit: Bra N Things

Yet the AASB failed to agree with the retailer, citing the “manner in which the lingerie is model by the woman is sexualised”.

“The silent, moving image draws the eye of passers-by” while “the model is stroking her hair and her moving her body suggestively and that this amounts to a sexualised impact”.

Meanwhile, Simone posted a lengthy rant on Instagram hitting back at the critics who claimed the ad was soft porn.

“Shout out to the prude who complained about my ‘vulgar’ and ‘amateur porn’ advertisement for the amazing Australian brand Bras N Things, and had the clip banned,” she wrote.

“Honestly, it’s just soooo offensive to show a confident, sexy WOMAN in her LINGERIE in the window of a (plot twist) — LINGERIE STORE!!!! Won’t somebody please think of the children?! I mean it’s just truly outrageous.

“How dare you sexualise my body. How dare- after all society’s requests, you take a confident and carefree depiction of a normal, healthy womanly body, promoting women’s products to women, and deem it offensive.

 Simone said the backlash has been "outrageous"
9
Simone said the backlash has been "outrageous"Credit: Bra N Things
 The video has been replaced with still images in stores
9
The video has been replaced with still images in storesCredit: Bra N Things

“Do not impress your insecurities on me, whether physical or sexual.”

The collection, according to Bras N Things, “features caging effects and strapping to create unique shapes on body” while “the innovating bunny boost plunge double push up bra” is available in cup sizes up to E.

The campaign ceased in July, and Bras N Things says it is confident the “video footage will not be used again”.

Topics