Zara apologises and removes campaign after boycott over 'mocking' of Gaza victims
Zara, the Spanish multinational fast fashion brand, is currently grappling with an intense boycott due to its latest campaign. The campaign triggered accusations of insensitivity and disrespect from social media users and influencers, particularly concerning the situation in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war.
Apology
After the backlash, Zara has ultimately chosen to withdraw the campaign, which depicted missing limbs and rubble.
In an Instagram post by Zara, they stated, "The campaign, conceived in July and photographed in September, showcases a series of images featuring unfinished sculptures in a sculptor's studio. Its sole purpose was to exhibit crafted garments within an artistic context."
They said that their intention was not to cause harm to their customers.
Check out the post here:
ICYMI: Here's what happened
- Zara's recent advertisement campaign, titled "The Jacket," featured model Kristen McMenamy posing with mannequins covered in white fabric and plastic, some with missing limbs, against a backdrop of white debris.
- Released on December 8, it included a cardboard cutout resembling an inverted map of Palestine, as per observations made on social media.
- Many social media users noted the resemblance between the imagery used in the campaign and the devastation in Gaza.
- Despite Zara's claims that the campaign aimed to spotlight craftsmanship and artistic expression by promoting "limited edition" garments' adaptability.
- Following the campaign's launch, the hashtag "boycott Zara" trended on Twitter, and numerous pro-Palestine supporters called for boycotting the brand.
Social media response
Despite Zara's official response, social media users continue to doubt the campaign's intentions, highlighting its insensitivity and inappropriate timing.
For instance, one user commented, "It doesn’t matter when the photos were taken. Why publish them now? Did you not notice the resemblance?!?"
READ MORE: Boycott Zara trends online for latest ads, brand accused of ‘mocking’ Gaza victims