Sexually Explicit Catalogue: Abercrombie and Fitch Lets It All Hang Out

With its latest attempt to push the envelope of appropriateness for a clothing catalogue, Abercrombie and Fitch has drawn the ire of politicians and moral activists all over the country. The catalogue, which is scheduled to hit the stands on Friday, is laden with sexually suggestive poses, some nudity, as well as "accounts" and "stories" from college students and teens, who represent the clothing manufacturer's target market segment.

Illinois lieutenant governor Corinne Wood has written on the Illinois state web site that "Abercrombie and Fitch is peddling soft porn in the guise of a clothing catalogue." Those sentiments are being echoed in other parts of the country as well and the fact that Bruce Weber was enlisted to head the project has not helped to put out any fires. Weber, known in the industry as a master of homoerotic photography, has put together what Abercrombie & Fitch is calling "The Best and the Brightest."

Wood went on to note that "A & F is glamorizing indiscriminate sexual behavior that unsophisticated teenagers are not possibly equipped to weigh against the dangers of date rape, unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted disease." A & F has responded to the charges, saying that their publication is responsibly and tastefully produced and that it is required that buyers of the catalogue produce ID that verifies a minimum age of 18 years. While that measure is admirable, it doesn’t seem likely to assuage the fears and concerns of those who are looking at the bigger picture.