Model from #AerieMan campaign didn’t know it was all a joke

Simone Olivero
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(Instagram/notoriouslydapper)

Remember that Aerie Man campaign from a few weeks ago?

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The ad featured four male models posing in Aerie underwear and talking about diversity and body image – “the real you is sexy.” While the ad was certainly meant to be humourous, many applauded the company for understanding the importance of showcasing both male and female models of diverse shapes and sizes to promote body positivity.

“Being an #AerieMAN isn’t just being in your underwear, it’s about being you,” said Kelvin Davis, one of the models in the video.

But days later, it was revealed that the whole thing was a hoax.

“The brand reveals today its #AerieMAN campaign, featuring a mix of quirky characters of different sizes and personalities sharing ‘real life’ stories in their skivvies, was all in good fun to parody the #AerieReal campaign by Aerie, a leader in body-positive marketing,” read a press release from the company.

“We aren’t afraid of being bold in how we engage our customers, whether through a video that makes you think twice, or challenging the norm in how a brand markets to men,” said Chad Kessler, American Eagle Outfitters Global Brand President.

“We are an all-inclusive brand and we know our male customers respond to humor. We look forward to continuing to innovate and evolve the American Eagle Outfitters product offerings."

ALSO SEE: Aerie model Iskra Lawrence fires back at body shamers

Ha ha, you got us American Eagle Outfitters!

But apparently we weren’t the only ones to be fooled by the campaign.

Model and blogger Kelvin Davis who appears in the bath tub in the video was disappointed to discover that the whole thing was an elaborate April Fool’s joke.

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(Instagram/notoriouslydapper)

“I have had people in the body positivity community upset with me about this whole thing,” he told BuzzFeed. “My part and contribution to the project was 100 per cent authentic and real.”

Davis explains that, just like you see in the video, the men were asked questions about the male body image and that none of the responses were scripted.

“Everything I said was heartfelt from a place we all can relate.”

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Despite learning that the campaign wasn’t real, Davis plans to continue spreading his body positive message.

“My stance and advocation for body positivity has never been a joke. I represented male body positivity before the #AerieMan campaign. I represent male body positivity after the #AerieMan campaign.”

“Simple as that.”