Ernst & Young, now EY, has a 'sexy boys' problem - Los Angeles Times
Advertisement

Ernst & Young, now EY, has a ‘sexy boys’ problem

Share via

Before Ernst & Young rebranded itself EY, maybe it should have run a quick Google search.

The giant London-based accounting firm and professional services company now shares a name with a racy magazine, EY! Magateen. The magazine, which features scantily clad young men, is the work of Luis Venegas, a Spanish creative director known for his flamboyant, sexually charged fashion publications.

A Google image search of “EY” brings up photos of young male models clad in low-cut briefs, right alongside the Ernst & Young logo and some exterior shots of the company’s offices.

10 fastest-growing jobs in California

Advertisement

That’s not exactly the kind of PR the company was banking on after spending big on a total brand revamp. Last week it rolled out a complete company makeover, with a new name, logo and chief executive.

A media spokesperson for EY (the London company, not the raunchy magazine) did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

In a statement, the company said its new name and logo present an “opportunity to strengthen and modernize how we represent ourselves in markets around the world to our clients.”

Advertisement

EY! Magateen is a limited-edition publication that has put out seven issues since 2008. It has been described as a much-racier version of the famed teenybopper magazine Tiger Beat.

The magazine collaborated with American Apparel, which itself has been criticized for its risque advertising. American Apparel and EY! developed a T-shirt, featured in the magazine and sold on American Apparel’s website, with the slogan “Teenagers do it better.”

Creative director Venegas is well-known in fashion circles. In 2010, the cover of his other magazine, Candy, featured actor and filmmaker James Franco dressed in drag.

Advertisement

In 2009, Miley Cyrus’ ex-boyfriend Justin Gaston was featured on EY! Magateen’s cover wearing red briefs. The text on that issue’s cover read: “Living the American teen! Loads of photos! Sexy boys!”

ALSO:Barnes & Noble CEO William Lynch resigns

Greyhound to add Wi-Fi and entertaiment system on buses

Consumer borrowing surges as Americans use credit cards more

[email protected]

Advertisement