Patrick Schwarzenegger, the 31-year-old son of actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, recently faced public criticism following his participation in a wedding-themed photoshoot for SKIMS, the shapewear brand founded by Kim Kardashian. The campaign, which also featured his fiancée, Abby Champion, was intended to promote the brand’s Wedding Shop collection but instead sparked a debate over its concept and execution.
Details of the Photoshoot
In the first promotional image, Patrick stands nude, strategically holding a bouquet of white roses to cover himself, while Abby wears a delicate white lace bralette paired with a matching sheer lace skirt. Her long blonde hair is styled sleek and parted down the middle, and she maintains a serious expression as she poses beside her fiancé. Another photo showcases Patrick in a classic black tuxedo with a white dress shirt and black bow tie, while Abby dons the Woven Shine Corset and Tap Short in Ivory, complemented by Hosiery Thigh High Stockings in Marble. In this shot, she leans against Patrick with one leg raised, resting on his hip, as he supports her with one hand under her thigh. The backdrop features a soft blue sky with white clouds, creating a dreamy, wedding-inspired aesthetic.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Despite the high-fashion concept, the campaign received mixed reactions on social media platforms, with many criticizing the overall look and feel of the shoot. On Facebook, one user commented, “Shame Shame Shame! Is this what it all about… No clothes. I think nice clothes is worth looking at.” Another added, “They look better with [clothes]!” A third person criticized the quality of the shoot, stating, “It doesn’t look professional at all. Any average kids could do this.”
Similar sentiments were echoed on Instagram. One person labeled the campaign “Embarrassing,” while another exclaimed, “No man no.” A different netizen quipped, “They don’t look like real people.” Some even questioned Patrick’s involvement, with one commenter writing, “This is not the man I saw at church,” and another simply asking, “Why is he there?”
Context and Background
Patrick Schwarzenegger, born on September 18, 1993, is the third of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver’s four children. He has pursued a career in acting and modeling, appearing in films such as “Midnight Sun” and “Daniel Isn’t Real.” His fiancée, Abby Champion, is a professional model who has worked with various fashion brands and magazines.
SKIMS, launched by Kim Kardashian in 2019, has gained prominence for its inclusive approach to shapewear and loungewear, often featuring diverse models in its campaigns. The brand’s Wedding Shop collection aims to provide brides and bridal parties with comfortable yet stylish undergarments and loungewear options.
Analysis of the Backlash
The negative reception of the photoshoot highlights the subjective nature of fashion campaigns and public perception. While some viewers appreciated the artistic direction and the couple’s chemistry, others found the execution lacking and the poses awkward. The criticism also underscores the challenges public figures face when participating in unconventional or avant-garde projects, as audience expectations can vary widely.
Conclusion
Patrick Schwarzenegger and Abby Champion’s recent SKIMS photoshoot has ignited discussions about artistic expression, public perception, and the fine line between bold creativity and public approval. As with many fashion campaigns, reactions are mixed, reflecting the diverse tastes and opinions of the audience. The couple has not publicly responded to the criticism, leaving the interpretation of the campaign open to individual perspective.
