Zara Regrets Misunderstanding Regarding Recent Campaign Depicting Scenes from Gaza
According to an article from The Express Tribune, Zara has expressed regret over the misunderstanding surrounding their recent advertising campaign that depicted scenes resembling Gaza. The fashion retailer faced calls for a boycott by pro-Palestine activists, prompting the removal of the campaign from the front page of its website and app.
Background and Response from Inditex
Inditex, the parent company of Zara, stated that the change in advertising was part of their regular content refresh procedure. Although they did not directly address the boycott calls, they mentioned that the “Atelier” collection, which sparked controversy, was conceptualized in July and photographed in September. Zara acknowledged that some customers were offended by the images and emphasized that they were far from what was intended when created. The company expressed deep respect towards everyone and regretted the misunderstanding.
Controversy and Social Media Backlash
The controversy garnered significant attention on Zara’s Instagram account, with tens of thousands of comments posted, many featuring Palestinian flags. The hashtag “#BoycottZara” also trended on messaging platforms. Critics argued that the images resembled photos of corpses in white shrouds from Gaza.
Challenges Faced by International Brands
Zara initially described the collection, launched on December 7, as being inspired by men’s tailoring from past centuries. The photographs showcased an artist’s studio setting, featuring ladders, packing materials, wooden crates, cranes, and assistants in overalls. However, the reaction to the campaign highlighted the challenges faced by international brands in navigating heightened sensitivities amid escalating conflict in Gaza and growing calls for boycotts.
Previous Controversies and Criticisms
The article mentioned previous instances where fashion labels faced similar controversies. French luxury group Kering established a brand safety oversight position after facing backlash for advertising images featuring children from its label Balenciaga. Dolce & Gabbana also faced criticism and was removed from e-commerce sites in China following a campaign deemed as racist.
In addition, Zara had previously faced criticism from Palestinians and Israelis when the head of the retailer’s franchise in Israel hosted an event for an ultranationalist politician.
You can read the full article here.
