Advertisement Analysis
Ed sheeran - Heinz
Plaid Shirt: Sheeran's white-and-dark blue checkered shirt epitomizes casual streetwear design.
Plaid patterns have been a staple in fashion due to their versatility, and its return reflects
nostalgia for 90s grunge culture, reinvented for a contemporary audience.
Trend Significance: Plaid shirts continue to bridge casual and semi-formal wear, appealing to
those seeking relaxed yet stylish clothing options.
Sneakers with Smart Casual Attire :
Sheeran's use of sneakers with his plaid shirt perfectly captures the athleisure-inspired trend of
combining active shoes with formal or semi-formal clothing.
Trend Significance: Sneakers have become a cultural symbol of rebellion against rigid norms,
embraced for their comfort and style. Sneakers have also been included into luxury brand
collections, thus they are a mainstay for both formal and informal wear.
Minimalist Accessories
Sheeran's minimalist style, which is consistent with his own brand of honesty, is reflected in his
absence of gaudy jewelry or ornate accessories. This simple approach reflects the trend toward
utility and simplicity in current fashion.
Trend Significance: The minimalist trend resonates with individuals who prioritize functionality
and let key wardrobe pieces speak for themselves.
Contrasts in Fine Dining Staff Uniforms
Sheeran's casual attire stands in stark contrast to the restaurant staff's traditional attire, which
consists of tidy white shirts, black ties, and tailored pants. The ad's lighthearted story of
reversing intellectual expectations is highlighted by this juxtaposition.
Trend Analysis: The staff’s formal attire adheres to classic fashion codes associated with luxury
dining, but the setting itself highlights how rigid dressing norms are being reinterpreted.
Everyman Style vs. High Fashion
Sheeran’s outfit—a plaid shirt, blazer, and sneakers—signals an “everyman” aesthetic.
His disregard for haute couture suggests confidence and authenticity, values increasingly prized
in modern culture.
Trend Analysis : By dressing casually in an elite setting, Sheeran becomes a symbol of
democratizing taste and culture. This reflects the broader shift in fashion towards personality-
driven clothing, where individual preferences and comfort are prioritized over designer labels or
trend-chasing.
Cultural Code: This reflects the global trend toward casualization, where formal dressing is
being replaced by approachable and versatile fashion choices.
Casual Streetwear Adapted for Semi-Formal Context
● Key Trait: Blending casual and formal elements in a single outfit.
● Example from the Video:
○ Ed Sheeran’s plaid shirt
○ Context: Fine dining is traditionally associated with strict formal dress codes.
Sheeran’s outfit disrupts this expectation, aligning with modern trends that value
individual expression.
○ Time: Reflective of the late 2010s and early 2020s, where hybrid styles became
mainstream, allowing greater flexibility between formal and casual dressing.
○ Place: The high-end restaurant setting magnifies the contrast, making Sheeran’s
outfit appear even more relatable and rebellious.
Unpretentious Styling
● Lack of ties, flashy accessories, or formal shoes in Sheeran’s outfit.
● Context: His minimalist approach aligns with his down-to-earth public image, resonating
with everyday audiences.
● Time: This simplicity echoes the 2010s trend of rejecting overly embellished fashion in
favor of functional and authentic styling.
● Place: Among the opulence of a high-end restaurant, Sheeran’s understated style
reinforces the ad’s theme of universality.
Juxtaposition with Traditional Fine Dining Uniforms
● Key Trait: The sharp contrast between high-formality and casual attire.
● Example from the Video:
○ Restaurant staff in crisp white shirts, black ties, and tailored trousers
juxtaposed against Sheeran’s laid-back ensemble.
○ Context: Reflects societal tension between tradition and modernity, with Sheeran
representing a generational shift toward individualism and authenticity.
○ Time: Late 2010s saw an increase in workplaces and formal settings loosening
dress codes, signaling broader cultural changes.
○ Place: The formal uniforms reinforce the exclusivity of the setting, making
Sheeran’s casual attire stand out more dramatically.
