Meaning: This quote by Christian Audigier, a renowned fashion designer, provides insight into the nature of celebrity culture and the role of self-promotion in the fashion industry. In this statement, Audigier expresses his view on the importance of self-promotion and branding in the modern world, drawing parallels between his own approach and the strategies employed by iconic figures in the entertainment industry.

Audigier's reference to Barack Obama as "200 percent advertising" reflects his perception of the former President's public image as being heavily reliant on marketing and promotion. In Audigier's view, Obama's persona was constructed and promoted to an extraordinary extent, emphasizing the pervasive influence of advertising and self-promotion in contemporary society. This observation underscores the prevalence of branding and image cultivation not only in the fashion industry but also in the realm of politics and public figures.

The designer's assertion that he promotes himself to sell his brands highlights the symbiotic relationship between personal branding and the success of one's business endeavors. Audigier's recognition of the need to elevate his own image in order to bolster the appeal of his brands reflects a strategic approach to marketing and self-promotion. By aligning himself with the likes of Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, and Madonna, Audigier emphasizes his aspiration to transcend the boundaries of the fashion industry and establish himself as a celebrity in his own right.

The comparison to these iconic figures from the music industry serves to underscore Audigier's ambition to position himself among individuals who have achieved unparalleled fame and recognition. By associating himself with such influential and widely celebrated personalities, Audigier seeks to elevate his own status and brand as a designer, thereby leveraging the allure of celebrity to enhance the appeal of his creations.

Furthermore, Audigier's statement sheds light on the evolving landscape of the fashion industry, where the cultivation of a personal brand and celebrity status has become increasingly intertwined with the business of design and retail. In an era marked by the proliferation of social media and the cult of personality, designers and fashion entrepreneurs are compelled to navigate a landscape where self-promotion and personal branding are integral to achieving success and visibility.

The quote encapsulates the ethos of self-promotion and brand elevation that permeates the contemporary fashion industry, reflecting the convergence of commerce, image cultivation, and celebrity culture. Audigier's acknowledgment of the need to construct himself as a celebrity underscores the transformative influence of fame and public persona in shaping the trajectory of a designer's career.

In conclusion, Christian Audigier's quote encapsulates the intersection of self-promotion, branding, and celebrity culture within the fashion industry. It offers a glimpse into the strategic mindset of a designer who recognizes the significance of personal branding and the cultivation of a celebrity persona in driving the success of his brands. The quote serves as a reflection of the evolving dynamics of the fashion landscape, where the pursuit of fame and the construction of a compelling personal brand are integral to navigating the competitive and image-driven world of design and retail.