Sydney Sweeney is continuing to showcase her collaboration with American Eagle by revealing a provocative behind-the-scenes photo. On September 26, her stylist Molly Dickinson shared an image of Sweeney posing topless beneath an oversized denim jacket, capturing a candid moment from the summer campaign.
The 28-year-old actress posed in front of a mirror with her arms raised, allowing the jacket to remain open and highlight her toned abs and underboob. She completed the look with low-waisted flared jeans that matched the jacket’s hue, blending a casual yet daring style.
Sydney Sweeney’s Style and Personal Touch in the Shoot
For the shoot, Sweeney sported soft glam makeup and wore her blonde hair down in relaxed, textured waves. Adding a personal element, her German Shepherd, Sully, appeared at her feet in the photograph, bringing a natural and endearing touch to the setting.
Controversy Sparked by the American Eagle Summer Campaign
The advertising campaign, which debuted on July 23, generated debate due to its sensual imagery and suggestive wordplay involving jeans and genetics. The campaign included a video where the camera zoomed in on Sweeney’s cleavage as she said,
“My body’s composition is determined by my genes.”
She then cheekily addressed the camera with, “Hey, eyes up here.” This was followed by a narrator stating, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.”
Some viewers criticized the campaign’s provocative nature, while others launched conversations linking the “genes” pun to discussions about eugenics, intensifying public scrutiny.
Diverse Looks Featured in the American Eagle Campaign
Besides the denim jacket photo, Sweeney also modeled light-wash jeans with a straight-leg cut, styled unbuttoned and worn low around the hips. She paired these with a white T-shirt knotted neatly into a crop top just below her chest.
Another scene saw Sweeney leaning over the hood of a Mustang as if repairing it. In this setup, she wore flared pants paired with a white tank top that had a low scoop neckline, tucked into her jeans. Her makeup featured prominent lashes, rosy cheeks, and a pronounced pout aimed at the camera.
American Eagle’s Response to the Public Backlash
Following the viral reaction to the campaign, American Eagle addressed the criticism on August 1 through their official Instagram, clarifying the campaign’s intent:
“‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story.”
The brand emphasized its commitment to celebrating the confidence and individuality of every person wearing AE jeans, asserting:
“We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”
Sydney Sweeney’s Perspective Amid the Controversy
An insider shared with Us Weekly on August 5 that Sweeney felt the situation had been exaggerated, noting:
“Sydney thinks this whole thing has been blown out of proportion,”
and added,
“She’s focusing her energy on work, including being back on set with her Euphoria family.”
Although Sweeney has not publicly responded to the backlash in detail, she reflected in an August 20 cover story with WSJ. Magazine on the importance of audience engagement, saying,
“I think it’s important to have a finger on the pulse of what people are saying, because everything is a conversation with the audience.”
Impact and Future of Sydney Sweeney’s Campaign with American Eagle
This collaboration marks a bold direction for both Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle, blending edgy imagery with personal storytelling. Despite the debate, the campaign has successfully drawn attention to Sweeney’s fashion range with the brand, sparking conversations that extend beyond the usual advertising scope.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen how American Eagle will continue to balance provocative visuals with their inclusive message, and how Sweeney’s rising profile will influence her ongoing projects and partnerships.
