The Essence of Perfume Advertising : An essay on the visual nature of perfume advertising throughout history, from a norm-critical perspective

This essay examines how gender stereotypes have been portrayed and represented in perfume advertising. With a historical overview this essay will shed light on the development of perfume advertising. This is done with a norm-critical perspective, in terms of typical gender stereotypes and representation, that in turn counteracts a progressive progress. This is followed by a qualitative visual analysis of contemporary perfume advertising. Furthermore, this essay intends to evaluate what the findings can say about certain tendencies of perfume advertisement through modern history and today. Moreover, this essay explores and evaluates if the notion of narrative, shown through examples of modern perfume advertisements, could be a possible way for brands to be less centered around gender stereotypes. The findings conclude that the use of narrative, with a norm-critical foundation, would be one possible way to go, for the essence of perfume advertising to be preserved though a progressive approach