It's definitely not aimed at me though and has confirmed what I already suspected - I am (at 32) too old and uncool for HoF. I never really shopped there anyway.*
*
I used to shop in HoF quite a lot. Have bought some lovely posh frocks* evening wear there. And perfume. I prefer the ranges of many items they stock, and in the past I liked the overall look and layout of the store.
But they obviously aren't interested in the over 40's white middle class any more. * *
Saagasal and foxyloxy I'd didn't know 30 and 40 are considered old.
*
I hate it. It's bloody awful. So aggressive and trying too hard to be trendy and edgy. Hated last year's one from HoF too.
Don't like the HoF one. And I find myself irrationally enraged by the singer's pronunciation saying 'com' instead of 'come'.
I also find the song overly aggressive. I loved last year's song and thought it did benefit from a similar edgy treatment (I remember the original) but that was more to do with the song/lyrics itself.*
*
*Edgy = good
Aggressive = the wrong note
Why on earth would aggression and general pouty jerky grumpiness be considered a perfect Christmas vibe? *
Those are the few threads that made me raise an eyebrow.
I also, believe that sometime people comment on topics without thinking about the implications or what someone like me reading it might pickup on. It's not because am being a petulant woman ruining people's fun having a bash at a terrible piece of advertisement.
The words used when put into context in regards to the advert can be annoying and can come across as racist.
First of all. Criticising Laura mvula's pronunciation of the word "come" is not on. If it was in French accent I doubt anyone would complain. There are lots of people who haven't been hired In the media solely because they feel there accent is not the right type or good enough because of negative connotation. If Laura was to read this thread, or someone with a similar pronunciation, they might actually think that there failure for not reaching a wider audience beyond those who watch jools holland is because of how they speak. Its not something they can correct or change.
Secondly, using a the term aggressive for both the leading black dancer and the black singer for an advert is not such a good idea. It's nothing new and it common word to describe black women negative way to put them down. In the context of this thread it might have been right, but for women who hear it everyday, how can you tell if they are being truthful with how they view the advert? I didn't think it was aggressive at all. unless, my understanding of aggressive is different to others. Yes it did have lots of energy, but lots of energy does not equal aggressive. The table scene was playful and fun.
The exclusion of the over 40 woman, I can understand that and it's one of the failing for this advertisement. What I didn't understand is the implication that the older posher white woman is excluded. By doing this, they will not be shopping there anymore. This is the sort of tripe that kept bald women from being used by high end fashion and products because of this middle class white woman and what they want. If you don't fulfil there need they have the choice to move somewhere else. Lucky them! For ethnic minority women, what's there is what you get. Occasionally, you will have Naomi or the token person of the season to be the face of all ethnic minorities. The worst part is, you still get middle class posher white women complaining.
The wealthier white woman spends money based on race and class. They have accesses to lots more products that cater to their need and people who pander to them too. According to magazines and designers, they are always taking a risk by using women of colour. Most of them see a slump in their sale.
So yes, I found some of the comments on here off putting and if marks and spencer focused and used more older posh white women maybe their cloths sales will go up. They did well before with lost of young white women, the years they started being inclusive, the complaints and backlash started. The complaints for constant use of younger women and targeting the younger market. The word is always edgy. The same is being used for this hof ad. 
Am glad urban hasn't been thrown in yet.
I get they want to be different, & yes the happy ever after saccharinity is boak-worthy... but, really, how does this advert act as an antidote to all that? It still plays to stereotypes but all the men and woman are being equal. The bit I almost cringed was the male in the chair with fingers all over his chair, however, the face of people that pulled of the throw of him turns out to be men. 
Yes there still other forms of sexism in the advert. Not your usual Christmas dribble. I like it.