L’Oréal creates special 50+ issue of Vogue

WINNER – Magnetic Spotlight Awards 2019 for Most Creative Use of Print
and shortlisted for Best Content Partnership (>£100k)

“When we first used the phrase ‘Because I’m worth it’, we moved the culture of marketing on, speaking for women everywhere. It is translated into action every day by L’Oréal Paris – in its philanthropy, its products, and its thoughtful celebration of women. The partnership with Vogue was true to this heritage and this marriage of classic, high status brands addressed a global discussion point. More importantly, it helped change the terms of that debate. The prestige that magazine brands offer is vital to our needs.”

Karen Flavard-Jones, General Manager, L’Oréal Paris

The Challenge

In a youth-obsessed world, gender-based age discrimination is an issue. While 40% of women are over 50, media coverage gives them only a 15% representation. L’Oréal Paris believe that every woman is ‘worth it’ regardless of age and wanted to create something that challenged age-related stereotypes.

The Idea

Working with McCann, Wavemaker and Condé Nast they created the ‘Non-Issue’ – an entire, standalone issue of Vogue where every word, image and page was dedicated to the belief that age should be a non-issue.

Vogue had never done something like this before. Everyone who contributed was over 50: the models, designers, photographers, make-up artists etc, demonstrating that talent doesn’t age.

Vogue offered the perfect environment for this partnership – it is premium, has a rich heritage and its audience is obsessed with beauty.

The Results

As well as the 250,000 printed copies, digital engagement spread across social channels and Vogue.co.uk, 19 million impressions online made it more successful than Vogue’s September edition which covers Fashion Week. Oh, and the campaign won a Cannes Lion Gold too.