Fashion Brand Zara Issues Official Statement Over Controversial Campaign
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Zara has issued a statement expressing regret for a recent ad campaign that drew criticism for featuring images reminiscent of scenes from the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Following social media backlash and complaints to the UK’s advertising watchdog, the fashion retailer decided to withdraw the remaining pictures.
Titled “The Jacket,” the campaign showcased a model against backgrounds of cracked stones, damaged statues, and broken plasterboard, leading some on social media to draw parallels with images from Gaza.
Very inadequate and irresponsible response from #Zara . #BoycottZara pic.twitter.com/9hYzJlsssi
— Ruby ( 804) (@rubiaabrar) December 12, 2023
Zara clarified that the campaign, promoting its Atelier line, was conceived in July and photographed in September, well before the October conflict between Hamas and Israel.
Also Read:Â Ushna Shah and Other Actresses Criticizes Fashion Brand Zara for Controversial Campaign
The company explained that the images portrayed “unfinished sculptures in a sculptor’s studio” and were intended to showcase craft-made garments in an artistic context. Despite this explanation, Zara acknowledged that some customers perceived the images differently from their original intent and expressed regret for any offense caused.
Activists planned a sit-in at Zara stores in response to a promotional campaign for a new collection downplaying the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.#BoycottZara#ابو_عبيدة #الهلال_التعاون #blackout #النصر_الشباب #StrikeForGaza #CeaseFirelnGazaNOW pic.twitter.com/BPvnk4Fm6g
— Faheem (@stoppression) December 12, 2023
This incident is part of a trend where companies, such as M&S in November, face public backlash for advertisements related to sensitive geopolitical issues.
Zara makes fun of Palestinian deaths in Gaza and exploits Uyghur forced labor.
Boycott Zara. pic.twitter.com/xnmU0ZbceS
— Karim Wafa-Al Hussaini (@DrKarimWafa) December 12, 2023
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is currently reviewing the 110 complaints received about Zara’s campaign, with complainants arguing that the imagery references the Israel-Hamas conflict and is offensive.
Zara is making fun of dead kids.
Boycott Zara.
Zara is disgusting.
FREE PALESTINE 🇵🇸#BoycottZara #Gaza_Geniocide #GazaGenocide #GazaHolocaust— M A R Y A M 🇵🇸 (@Maryam_Here7) December 12, 2023
Zara, highlighting the artistic context of the campaign, had initially described “The Jacket” as an exercise in concentrated design, showcasing the finest aspects of Zara’s creative and manufacturing capabilities.
