TRAVIS FIMMEL PICTURED WITH HIS CONTROVERSIAL CALVIN KLEIN AD IN THE EARLY 2000s — THE POSTER THAT STOPPED TRAFFIC AND SHOCKED LONDON… SEE MORE
Long before he became the fearless Viking king who conquered television screens across the world, Travis Fimmel was already a global phenomenon — thanks to one of the most controversial and unforgettable Calvin Klein advertising campaigns in history. Today, that iconic moment is once again in the spotlight, as fans revisit the ad that famously stirred up London, sparked public debate, and cemented Fimmel as one of the most recognizable male models of his generation.
The year was the early 2000s — a time when Calvin Klein ruled billboards with bold, boundary-pushing imagery, and when the company decided to take a daring leap by choosing a young Australian newcomer named Travis Fimmel as the new face (and physique) of the brand. What followed was nothing short of cultural shockwaves.
Fimmel’s massive black-and-white billboard, towering provocatively over London streets, became an instant sensation. But it also became a problem — at least for city traffic. According to reports at the time, an auto company publicly complained that drivers were slowing down or even stopping completely just to stare at the ad, causing traffic congestion in areas where the poster dominated the view. With his piercing eyes, sculpted physique, and the now-legendary pose, Fimmel’s Calvin Klein campaign wasn’t just noticed — it was impossible to ignore.
The controversy didn’t stop with traffic. Complaints came pouring into the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), accusing the advert of being “indecent,” “sexually suggestive,” and even “demeaning to men.” Some argued the poster was too explicit for public display, while others claimed it pushed the boundaries of acceptable advertising far beyond what London commuters were used to seeing.
However, the ASA conducted a thorough review and ultimately rejected all complaints. In its ruling, the Authority concluded that the advert was not indecent, nor did it breach any advertising guidelines. The decision sparked both relief and applause from fans who believed the campaign represented artistic freedom — and frustration from critics who felt the line between fashion and indecency had been crossed.
But if the intention of Calvin Klein was to create conversation, they succeeded beyond imagination.
The controversy propelled Travis Fimmel into overnight superstardom. Suddenly, he wasn’t just a model — he was the model, the one whose image you couldn’t walk past without talking about. From magazine covers to talk shows, everyone wanted to know: Who is this Australian making global headlines without saying a word?
The campaign’s legacy has only grown stronger over the decades. For many, it remains one of the most iconic male modeling moments of all time — daring, provocative, bold, and undeniably unforgettable. It also marked the beginning of Fimmel’s extraordinary career, eventually leading him from fashion runways to Hollywood soundstages, and finally to becoming one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Looking back today, fans see more than a controversial ad — they see the origin story of a star who would later redefine historical drama through his groundbreaking portrayal of Ragnar Lothbrok. And yet, the Calvin Klein era remains a defining chapter, a moment when the world first paused to stare at Travis Fimmel… literally.
As new generations discover the ad through viral throwbacks and nostalgic tributes, one truth remains clear: no billboard has ever stopped traffic quite like Travis Fimmel’s.
Stay tuned — more iconic throwbacks and stories from Fimmel’s rise to fame are coming soon.
