Zara has issued a statement expressing regret over a recent ad campaign that faced criticism for featuring images resembling scenes from the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The fashion retailer decided to withdraw the remaining pictures after receiving backlash on social media and complaints to the UK’s advertising watchdog.
Very inadequate and irresponsible response from #Zara . #BoycottZara pic.twitter.com/9hYzJlsssi
— Rabee’a Abrar ربیعہ (@rubiaabrar) December 12, 2023
The campaign, titled “The Jacket,” 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.
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.
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 company stated 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 offence caused.
