Boots In Heaven

In case the image is too small, that's Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain hanging out in heaven wearing the requisite white vestments. And Doc Martens. The advertising agency that created it, Saatchi & Saatchi (London), says it's supposed to illustrate perfectly the durability of the boots. And as iconic images go, you can't go wrong with Kuya Kurt. The brand used three other dead celebrities to pitch their boots for them: Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols, Joey Ramone of The Ramones, and Joe Strummer of The Clash.

I think the idea is inspired. What better way to let people know that Doc Martens boots are the shiznit than by having seminal punk and grunge rockers wear them. In heaven, no less! I must say though that I imagine Kurt would have worn something like Chuck Taylors more than he would have DM's.

One person who isn't a fan of these ads: Courtney Love. Kurt's widow says she never saw nor approved the ads and wants them pulled out and discontinued. Which shouldn't be a problem, as the Doc Martens company has already fired their ad agency and issued an apology for anyone who might have been offended by the ad.

I wasn't exactly overcome by a burning desire to get myself a pair of DM boots after seeing the ad, but I see no reason why it should be regarded as offensive either. It's a brilliant idea, a bit risque perhaps, but imaginative and headturning, nonetheless. And isn't that what ads should be, what ad agency people whould strive for? Get your attention and keep it enough to make you ponder on getting whatever it is that's being shoved in your face? Depending on your willpower, the agency people are either extremely talented or you - the consumer - are extremely stupid and/or impressionable. One or the other.