JWT Defines Segment Of TwentySomething Women As ‘Atalantas’
Posted by anastasia on 01-30-2007
I find stuff like this really amusing. JWT has come up with a demographic of twentysomething women (using celebrities) they are calling Atalantas. Not because they are from Atlanta or Atlantis, but because “in Greek mythology, Atalanta broke with convention and refused to settle down until she finished her education and saw the world; when she finally did marry, it was on her own terms.” According to their press release, Atalantas have the following characteristics:
- She is independent: Single throughout her 20s, she is unwilling to settle for less than the best.
- She has a bold attitude: And a lot of it. Some may call her unswaying or stubborn; we see it as her need to assert herself.
- She loves to travel: A yearning for adventure and a spirit that can’t be contained in one place is part of what makes her unique.
- She stands out wherever she is, both for her ideals and her devil-may-care attitude.
- Living in the public eye may not define the Atalanta, but it’s something she is comfortable with and sometimes relishes.
Who are the Atalantas, you ask? They have a big list (in alphabetical order):
Fiona Apple (29): Her motto is “Go with yourself,” and she is unwilling to compromise her actions, beliefs and music for anyone or anything.
Song Aree (20), Ahn Shi Hyun (22), Grace Park (27) and Pak Se Ri (29): These LPGA winners are a source of pride and inspiration to a generation of South Korean women. They are making a name for themselves with style, grace and a sweet short game.
Rachel Bilson (25): This petite vixen admits to an unwillingness to take no for an answer and says her drive has been the key to her success.
Alexis Bledel (25): Conservative and classy, she leads a quiet, private life — all the more appealing as an alternative to the Lindsay Lohans of the showbiz world.
Alice Braga (23): A startlingly raw femininity, fearless physicality and clear intelligence define this actress, who is looking to open doors for Brazilian cinema.
Gisele Bundchen (26): A globe-trotting workhorse with an inability to settle down, this astute model-businesswoman has an estimated net worth of around $150 million.
Lauren Bush (22): This up-and-coming member of the Bush family has a range of interests — don’t expect the busy model/goodwill ambassador to settle down anytime soon.
Charlotte Church (21): The girl with the “voice of an angel” is all grown up and ready to flex her muscles. She is equally concerned with stretching herself and growing as a performer.
Chelsea Clinton (26): Two words describe Chelsea: above reproach. Something not all children of the White House have achieved.
Kirsten Dunst (24): An unabashedly going-out kind of girl who enjoys the perks fame has brought. Travel and the chance to broaden her appeal overseas are now her focus.
Anne Hathaway (25): The girl next door, a self-admitted fashion victim who would rather dress for comfort than style, is now taking on darker roles.
Scarlett Johansson (22): She’s turned her husky voice and voluptuousness into an industry, always seeming to take the fleeting nature of fame with a grain of salt.
Alicia Keys (26): The teen prodigy turned musical tour de force, known for boldly expressing her opinion, is now branching out into acting.
Keira Knightley (21): A “brash,” “outspoken” and “vulgar” rising star — she has recently become a pro at deflecting critics with candid responses and a quick wit.
Karolina Kurkova (22): An intense and energetic model, she’s a favorite of designers, editors and photographers the world over for her beauty and generous nature.
Mia Maestro (28): This Argentinean actress poised for Hollywood cross-over success has begun to defy notions of how Latina stars should pursue their careers.
M.I.A. (28): After getting censored by media in the U.S., the U.K. and Sri Lanka, this rapper/artist/refugee with a radical approach is only amused by the controversy.
Margherita Missoni (23): The best-dressed heir apparent to the Missoni empire counts muse, brand ambassador and spokesmodel among her titles.
Sania Mirza (20): India’s midriff-bearing, in-your-face, unapologetic tennis phenom.
Petra Nemcova (27): The Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model turned tsunami survivor and philanthropist.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (20): Termed the “most powerful young women in Hollywood,” these twins are more than just actresses — they’re entrepreneurs.
Natalie Portman (25): The new Audrey Hepburn is an adventurer who would rather be smart than be a movie star.
Anoushka Shankar (25): Comfortably straddling the divide between tradition and modernity, this independent, driven and beautiful young sitar player is a concert favorite around the world.
Julia Stiles (25): A self-described feminist, this actress is unafraid of making controversial statements, both personal and political.
Ivanka Trump (25): The daughter of America’s most famous entrepreneur started out as a model, grew into a businesswoman and is now set to become a superstar thanks to “The Apprentice.”
Serena (25) and Venus Williams (26): Despite injuries, these two tennis champions have hardly been idle. And though controversy follows them, the sisters just ignore their naysayers.
Li Yuchin (21): This Chinese “Idol” is a tomboy, not a China doll, and her disregard for rules and unabashed individuality have turned her into a national icon.
Ziyi Zhang (27): “China’s gift to Hollywood” is a slim charmer with big talent whose accomplishments are inspirational for many thousands of women.
I’m curious — which magazine do you think fits the Atalanta demo best? Jane, Glamour, Marie Claire or Bauer’s upcoming Cocktail? I want to invent a new consumer demo, it seems like fun…
Categorized under: Youth Marketing






January 30th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
On the one hand, “bold attitude” is a qualification of JWT for being an Atalantas.
On the other hand, JWT writes, “Alexis Bledel (25): Conservative and classy, she leads a quiet, private life — all the more appealing as an alternative to the Lindsay Lohans of the showbiz world.”
Why is “quiet” Alexis Bledel a bold Atalantas, but not Lindsay Lohan?
It’s almost as if JWT just rattled off a bunch of celebrity names to try to get mentioned on “Entertainment Tonight” type shows.
January 31st, 2007 at 12:01 pm
I think that the Atalantas of the magazine world are most definitely BUST and Venuszine. Independant, fashion forward, cutting edge, socially responsible, interesting. Both create a real sense of community among women as well. I think Marie Claire would fit the bill as it is very “girlie” in some ways, but has some great articles covering national and international issues for women. Jane is fun, but has no real substance.
And I’m not just saying this to say it. I actually get all four of them delivered to my home.
BTW I look forward to meeting you in Michigan in March!!