The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority has banned a Calvin Klein ad that starred British singer FKA twigs, citing its portrayal of her as a “stereotypical sexual object.”
The advertisement displayed the musician wearing a shirt that partially covered one breast and the side of her buttocks, accompanied by the phrase “Calvins or nothing.”
Two individuals expressed their dissatisfaction with the picture, claiming that it portrayed the subject in a sexual manner. The ASA concurred, stating: “The advertisement utilized nudity and focused on FKA twigs’ physical attributes rather than the clothing, to the point where it objectified her as a sexual stereotype.” Additionally, the ASA noted that “the image’s arrangement directed viewers’ attention towards the model’s body rather than the advertised clothing.”
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) deemed the advertisement as “irresponsible and potentially offensive.” According to their ruling, the ad, which was initially released in April 2023, cannot be shown again in its current form.
Two people who filed complaints also objected to two advertisements by Calvin Klein that featured model Kendall Jenner. However, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) determined that the ads were acceptable. They stated that the image of Jenner holding her breasts did not depict her as a sexual object, and the other ad was within the acceptable standards for lingerie advertising.
Calvin Klein has stood by the FKA twigs advertisement, stating that the photos were not offensive and showcased two self-assured and empowered women who chose to represent the Calvin Klein brand. They also stated that the ads conveyed a progressive and enlightened message. The brand defended the poses taken by both twigs and Jenner, stating they were natural and non-biased.
The company emphasized that both FKA twigs and Jenner worked together with them and gave their approval for the images. They also mentioned that during interviews, the two expressed feeling empowered and confident after participating. Calvin Klein also noted that male models were also included in the campaign.
The artist known as FKA twigs, who often embraces her sexuality and femininity in her music and shows, has not made a statement regarding the prohibition.
In her recent Instagram post, she provided an update on her upcoming album, sharing that she has been creating it in various locations such as cabs in Berlin, huts in Big Sur, caves in Ibiza, and roads in Hackney. She also mentioned writing lyrics by lakes in Prague and even in the toilets of raves with a pen on her hand. This album will follow her mixtape Caprisongs from 2022, as well as her previous studio albums LP1 (2014) and Magdalene (2019).
Source: theguardian.com
