Wedding proposal via cavity search in ad for jewelry brand in Vietnam
In an ad for a brand of jewelry in Vietnam, a customs official proposes to his girlfriend by placing a ring inside a traveller’s rear end.
The ad, for Royal Westminster jewelry, was uploaded to the Ogilvy Asia’s YouTube channel last week. The film ends with the words, in English: ‘No matter how you say it, say it with Royal Westminster’.
The ad has no call to action or a website for the brand. A Google search for the brand produces only a list of shortlisted entries for awards show One Show this year.
A description of the ad on the BestofOgilvy.asia website, reads: “Anyone who’s ever travelled to Vietnam will know that airport customs workers here are infamous for carrying out their duties with mechanical precision, and are usually devoid of any human emotion whatsoever. (Just as anyone who’s ever watched Vietnamese TV will know the commercials here are equally devoid of any humour.)”
“When the agency was briefed to do a cut-through TVC to help raise the value of the company during the sale to Royal Westminster Jewelry, Ogilvy Saigon saw the opportunity to bring this insight to life with an old joke and showcase the romance-inducing effects of Royal Westminster Jewelry for the final time.”
They have gambled that no one cares about vietnam and so any suspicious looking ads originating from there would be safe from investigation.
How wrong they are….as they are now a proud part of ‘Hicks’ Picks’
ReplyShameless. Totally shameless. At least Ogilvy’s clients will be happy to learn that the agency is making such great mark ups that it is able to spend money on tasteless, un-broadcastable TVCs for fictional clients.
It is so brazen, it deserves an award! Robin’s scams of the year? 🙂
ReplyRobin, we’re all waiting for you to start a Hall of Shame award. This would be a strong contender.
ReplyWhat are the odds they can pull a Lion out of their ass with this one?
ReplyThought so too.
What a contrived idea sending an engagement ring via rectum mail. Where is DHL when you need them?
ReplyThis just makes me not want to visit Vietnam. It’s offensive and obviously a scam. Can’t find the client either or I would complain directly to them. What were Ogilvy and Mather Vietnam thinking?
ReplyI hope they didn’t pay too much for this ad as it is a complete [Edited under Mumbrella’s community guidelines] of a Scottish comedy sketch from 2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMOhWOh-6l8
ReplyHave your say