'Naked Run' Video Sparks Controversy on LA Streets

Revealed as Brand Promotion... Models Wore Full-Body Bodysuits

A video showing two women apparently running naked in the heart of downtown Los Angeles (LA) has taken the internet by storm. However, it was later confirmed that this was not an actual nude run, but a promotional shoot for a fashion brand in which the participants wore full-body suits matching their skin color.


An influencer wearing a full-body suit matching skin color caused controversy in the heart of downtown Los Angeles (LA), USA. Archive photo. Pixabay

An influencer wearing a full-body suit matching skin color caused controversy in the heart of downtown Los Angeles (LA), USA. Archive photo. Pixabay

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According to recent reports from international outlets such as News.com, a short video titled "Average day in LA" was posted on the Instagram account "Influencers in the Wild," which boasts around 5 million followers.


The video depicts two women running through the streets of downtown LA. From the back, it appeared as if they were not wearing anything, and passersby could be seen reacting with surprise or filming them with their phones. The video quickly went viral, recording tens of thousands of 'likes' and hundreds of comments shortly after it was released.


Confirmed as a Fashion Brand Promotion


The individuals at the center of the controversy were identified as Russian twin fashion designers Daria Vasilieva and Maria Vasilieva. Through their official brand account 'Daria Y Maria,' they revealed that the video was filmed to promote a new collection.


The two wore full-body suits nearly identical to their skin tone, creating the illusion of nudity. They explained, "This project is part of a fashion film concluding the brand's collection," and added that the full video would be released in the future.


This video was also said to be an homage to the music video for the 1999 hit song "What's My Age Again?" by the American rock band Blink-182, which famously featured the band members running naked through the streets of LA and garnered significant attention at the time. The Vasilieva sisters expressed their "respect and love" for the original music video and stated that they reinterpreted the cultural icon of the past in a modern way.


"Uncomfortable to Watch" vs "Highly Effective Ad": Diverging Reactions


Reactions to the video have been mixed. Some users expressed discomfort over the provocative display in a public space, while others argued that the controversy was excessive since the women were not actually nude. From a marketing perspective, some commenters noted that the campaign succeeded in drawing attention to the brand.



In the industry, this kind of case is seen as representative of the current trend in digital marketing, where viral controversy is used to boost brand recognition. However, it was also pointed out that repeated provocative stunts could eventually have a negative impact on a brand's image.


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