Dove and Bridgerton? Beauty, judgment, and self-confidence.

Dove x Bridgerton: Let Them Talk

    Advertising can represent cultural beauty standards and spark conversations. The Dove x Bridgerton Let Them Talk campaign launched in January 2026. This collaboration between Dove and Bridgerton grabbed my attention because it did not feel like a typical beauty commercial; it used the entertainment value with the new season of Bridgerton airing on January 29th, and the theme of societal judgment. In this campaign, they showed a message of confidence and individuality within one's own unique beauty. This advertisement is showing an important message, especially in an era where social media is heavily influencing the narrative of how we should look. This ad pushes back on the societal beauty pressures.

    The Let Them Talk campaign first showed lavish Bridgerton inspired scenes, with people in Regency costumes. The campaign represents elegant storytelling, with a voice that sounds regal. Rather than showing the actors seen on Bridgerton, the campaign featured beauty influencers who represent beauty authentically. According to DSCENE Beauty in this advertisement,  "each woman appears without apology, presenting beauty as something expressed through individuality, presence, and choice."  Dove chooses women who portray the image they align with as a brand. 

    Although this campaign represents the beauty brand Dove in this video, there is no focus on one product; instead, this campaign connects individuals to confidence and individuality. This campaign was first published online in mid January 2026, which was ahead of Bridgerton's season 4 premiere set to release late January 2026. This ad was released across YouTube and social media platforms.  The advertisement shows Dove resisting beauty standards interwoven with a unique collaboration between an up-and-coming season premiere of a well known show.

    This campaign focuses on storytelling and the association with the body positive influencers they highlighted, rather than more traditional persuasive techniques like product demonstrations. Bridgerton is a show that focuses on gossip and social hierarchy, Dove aligning with their brand values show a parallel between the scenes shown in the Regency era in Bridgerton and modern day beauty pressures. The advertisement incorporates normal looking people, but in a regal setting. The contrast reinforces Dove’s message as a brand, authentically, you are fighting back against societal pressures.

    The key message of the Let Them Talk campaign is that beauty should be defined by the individual not by society's influence. The phrase “let them talk” implies rejection of gossip and unrealistic expectations often influenced by social media. The target audience appears to be women between the ages of 18-35 who are active on social media and are familiar with streaming popular television shows. This demographic is especially exposed to beauty pressures online. Dove shows women existing confidently, not conforming to beauty standards that many in this age group feel pressured to conform to. 

    One of the campaign's strongest qualities is how unique it is in their marketing strategies. Unlike many beauty advertisements that show a product and the features, ingredients, or results the Let Them Talk campaign prioritizes brand values over sales. This approach makes the advertisement more emotional and less transactional, leading the audience to be connected to the brand on an emotional level. Beauty Scene Net talked to Chief Growth Officer at Dove Personal Care North America and Dove Masterbrand, who said the brands positions the collaboration as a shared vision, promoting not just products and views of the new season but strong morals to the companies.

    The Dove x Bridgerton Let Them Talk campaign demonstrates how advertising contradicts  social issues, and current television shows rather than product promotion. Relating to a message of confidence and individuality allows the campaign to influence cultural conversations about the show Bridgerton. What surprised me was how effective this campaign was, not selling me a product  but a brand as a whole.

Sources:

Kelly, Chris. “Campaign Trail: Dove Finds Real Beauty in “Bridgerton.”” Marketing Dive, 30 Jan. 2026, www.marketingdive.com/news/campaign-trail-dove-finds-real-beauty-in-bridgerton/810810/.

Kostic, Jana. “Let Them Talk Campaign Brings Dove into Bridgerton.” Beauty Scene, 19 Jan. 2026, www.beautyscene.net/brands/dove/dove-x-bridgerton/.

Walker, Julia. “Hear Ye, Hear Ye: Dove’s New “Bridgerton”-Inspired Short Film Has Premiered.” Campaignlive.com, CampaignUs, 15 Jan. 2026, www.campaignlive.com/article/hear-ye-hear-ye-doves-new-bridgerton-inspired-short-film-premiered/1945337. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.