An essential journey into 1990s advertising: a visual compendium that brings together the campaigns, ads,
and marketing strategies that defined an entire generation.
All-American Ads of the '90s looks back with irony and nostalgia at how brands managed to sell everything from handheld consoles like the Game Boy to albums by bands like Boyz II Men, including luxury perfumes and futuristic cars.
The work captures the contrast of a decade marked by mass consumption and major pop culture milestones.
In a single volume, social controversies such as the Los Angeles riots or the Columbine tragedy coexist
with the rise of the digital era, the influence of Silicon Valley, and the scandals of Bill Clinton’s presidency.
All framed by bold advertising, where nudity, sex, and humor became tools to sell practically everything.
The ’90s were also the golden age of iconic toys: Super Soakers water guns,
PlayStation consoles, and immortal characters like Super Mario, Sonic, or the cars from Gran Turismo.
High-end fashion brands like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton,
and Hermès cemented their status as symbols of desire, while the automotive industry
revived classics like the Volkswagen Beetle and experimented with models like the
Ford Probe or the Hummer.
With six themed chapters dedicated to food, fashion, entertainment, cars, and more, this book gathers
the best of 1990s American marketing. A tribute designed both for those who feel nostalgic about tazos, Beanie Babies, the early seasons of The Simpsons, or the Harry Potter books, and for professionals and curious readers seeking to understand the evolution of modern advertising.
About the authors
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Steven Heller, an international reference in graphic design, was for more than three decades
the art director of the New York Times. Author of over 120 books, he is co-chair of the “MFA Designer as Author” program at the School of Visual Arts.
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Jim Heimann, executive editor of TASCHEN America, is a cultural anthropologist and historian specializing
in pop culture, architecture, and the history of Los Angeles and Hollywood. His notable titles include
Surfing, California Crazy, and the All-American Ads series.
