^ yeah, I remember those commercials would come very late at night on tv, they were so short, sandwiched between the occasional infomercial and they just were so.. otherworldly and beautifully shot (the Levi's ads were so good!), unlike anything you would see at any other time.. so the impression lasted longer and no google added to the mystery of 'what the hell did I just watch..'.
I like the cover for the superficial and likely accidental references that speak to me on a more personal level but I agree the message is completely different.. this is about being relatable and yeah, 'real'.. 'just like you but.. do try being a bit more like me' lol... whereas the 90s/early 00s created parallel worlds and ignited the imagination and curiosity of people, not because marketing was kinder, it was just more about that type of encouragement.
The Noa ads did have a message of inviting the consumer to pursue the ethereal or serenity even in the midst of urban chaos (and so did the smell btw!) but it was about finding that in something above routine and mundanity, and not necessarily through embracing it because it may be insensitive or 'out of touch' not to. I think current creators struggle creating these worlds because they assume fantasy implies oblivion.. but imagination and fantasy are really some of the more natural, private activities humans nurture throughout their lives (how do you even envision the future otherwise!).. nothing to be apologetic for.