It seems that in every brainstorm I am in someone has the idea of having someone naked do something, with the sheer shock factor hoping to be the magic link to make everything right.  (Wonder if me being in these brainstorms is the common link to the idea coming up, but that's another story.)  We all no doubt watched numerous times the great Nike Streaker soccer video a while back so having our birthday suits in the marketing mix is nothing new.

What is new for me at least is the extent and amount of nudity being used for a Website showcasing a new line of beauty/skin products called Elave in the UK (I love the British) who is cleverly using the tagline "nothing to hide."  At the site you are greeted by a fully nude woman who walks on screen, casually sits down and explains that Elave uses "no irritants, no chemicals" and thus, has nothing to hide.  One of my favorite parts is that if you don't click on any of the products on the screen she simply asks "can I show you anything" which is hilarious given that there really isn't anything she isn't showing! 

The fun continues when you click on the projector and are transported "back to the lab" where men and women of all shapes and sizes (in every aspect) are walking around, using test tubes to measure things, writing on very cool StarWars looking glass walls and hanging out researching on computers - all nude, as if the world never had clothes.  The casting call and related videoshoot must have been something to see. 

I don't live in the UK to know if any PR stunts were used to launch the campaign but of course my imagination is running wild with things that I hoped they did to drive buzz.  (If Elave wants to expand to Australia please someone drop me a line.)  In this case, I believe the nude factor works on all levels - it brings to life the core message of the products (nothing to hide, no chemicals, all natural) and helps the new company break-through the crowded beauty care industry in a very unique way.  I of course am hoping the company does well and new product line extensions means more naked fun for all.   

For more naked marketing fun check out my other blog posting.