Question: How does Calvin Klein represent females in this advert featuring Eva Mendes? Are they objectified or sexually empowered?

In the advert, Calvin Klein present Eva Mendes in a strong stance, this shows power and domination through the way her legs are stood apart, this also connotes masculine qualities.The way her hands are positioned on her hips not only relates to strength but also draws the eye to the CK underwear and also to a region which could possibly be seen through the male gaze.
The Calvin Klein label itself is associated with sexuality and status, the fact that the logo is positioned near to her legs but positioned behind her, in her shadow, shows power and domain. Another take on this would be to appeal to males, allowing a full shot of the woman, allowing full view of her body and not covering it up.
The camera angle is also appropriate to status, the fact that it is shot from below shows importance and superiority of the model and could also relate to the high status of the CK label.
The fact that she is 'oiled up' and her hair is damp shows that she may have just come out of the shower, possibly in the evening, and that she may now be getting dressed to go out, 'as attractive people do'.
She is wearing high heels to ellongate her legs, make her appear taller and appeal to a male audience. Making them think of their wife or girlfriend and buy the product in hope that they too with look like the advert. Suspenders add to the appeal and are often associated with sexiness although this image has a tasteful quality.
One aspect of the photo thats not so obvious at first glance is the fact that the model is not wearing a wedding ring which is giving the impression that she is 'available', this is subject again to the male gaze.
Eva Mendes poses with her head turned back slightly, this makes her seem mysterious and also keeps the attention from her face and directed on the product. Another reason for this may be that she is too superior to face to the front, relating to the feminist viewpoint of the male gaze.