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American Eagle Breaks Boundaries with Debut of New Spring ’19 Campaign of Self-Expression and Youth Empowerment

AEO | January 24, 2019

Real Gen-Z Customers Direct, Style and Photograph Spring Campaign to Launch New Creative Direction

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) announces that its American Eagle brand is debuting an innovative and first-of-its-kind marketing concept by placing the creative direction in the hands of the customer. With a focus on AE’s commitment to provide its community with a platform for self-expression and empowerment, the spring #AExME campaign was photographed, styled and creatively directed by ten real and authentic Gen-Z cast members.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190124005383/en/

#AExME Spring '19 Campaign Cast Members, Mariana Villarroel Lua and Andy Villarroel Lua Photo Credit: Mariana Villarroel Lua and Andy Villarroel Lua

“As a brand, AE has been a pioneer in collaborating with today’s youth to support self-expression and prioritizing their individuality,” commented Chad Kessler, American Eagle Global Brand President. “This spring, AE is amplifying the voices of our customers by joining forces with a group of inspiring Gen-Zers to help encourage others to share their unique style through our spring collection and Ne(X)t Level Jeans.”

The New #AExME Campaign Concept at a Glance:

All cast members were discovered solely through social media, which is a key avenue for youth expression.
No exotic location or contrived set was used in the campaign, rather the cast is seen in their own personal environments to showcase the endless possibilities in which the AE community can define their individual style.
Instead of enlisting professional photographers and stylists, creativity was taken to the next level through the cast photographing themselves in a series of self-portrait images shot entirely with iPhones and disposable and medium format film cameras.
The AE community can see the campaign come to life across AE’s social media, Google Preferred videos, and via in-store imagery.
Having a platform to amplify their voices, the cast will share their unique stories, passions, diversity and interests with AE fans online and through @americaneagle social channels.

What Makes The #AExME Cast Unique:

Brinda, is a creator and is on a journey of expressing herself and telling her story via art.
Deaunte, is a photographer and visual artist who is passionate about defining what it means to be a young person growing up in an increasingly confusing world.
Thor, from music, to film, to photography, he won't let you define him.
Antonio, aspires to be a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry.
Cailee, isn't afraid to look past the opinions of others to remain true to herself.
Tony, believes that there is one answer to a better world: more love.
Mariana, doesn't shy away from pushing her own limits and discovering who she is in the form of music and her passions.
Andy, aims to change the world by focusing on happiness and positivity in her photography.
Clare, is going with the flow and discovering new passions when it comes to her photography and music.
Daevin, is on a mission to spread positive energy through his pictures and interactions on social media.

About #AExME:

#AExME is American Eagle’s brand platform, which celebrates freedom, inclusion, empowerment and difference.
The brand’s commitment to individuality encourages customers to express who they truly are by taking the AE merchandise collection and making it their own.
The brand introduced #AExME as a pledge to forgo using models and feature only real customers styling themselves in its marketing.
Follow along with #AExME on social, and www.ae.com/aexme to shop the spring collection.

About American Eagle

Since 1977, American Eagle has offered an assortment of specialty apparel and accessories for men and women that enables self-expression and empowers our customers to celebrate their individuality. The brand has broadened its leadership in jeans by producing innovative fabric with options for all styles and fits for all at a value. We aren’t just passionate about making great clothing, we’re passionate about making real connections with the people who wear them. Visit www.ae.com to find your perfect pair of #AEJeans.

About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle® and Aerie® brands. The company operates more than 1,000 stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Hong Kong, and ships to 81 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 200 international locations operated by licensees in 25 countries. For more information, please visit www.aeo-inc.com.