After receiving criticism on social media for several days and receiving complaints from the advertising watchdog in the United Kingdom, it has removed the remaining photographs.
A mannequin that was covered in white plastic was seen being held by a model in one of the images.
Several buyers, according to Zara, saw “something that was very different from what was intended when they were created.”
On the social media platform X, which was once known as Twitter, there were individuals who advocated for a boycott of the fashion retailer.
The advertising campaign for Zara’s Atelier collection was “conceived in July and photographed in September,” according to the company’s representatives.
Hamas carried out an attack on Israel on October 7th, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people. Israel carried out retaliatory attacks on Gaza, which, according to the health ministry in the enclave, which is governed by Hamas, have resulted in the deaths of around 18,200 Palestinians.
“The Jacket” was the name of the campaign that Zara ran, and it featured a sequence of photographs in which the model was depicted against a setting that had shattered plasterboard, cracked stones, and damaged statuary.
It was stated by several users on social media that they were comparable to photographs that were surfacing from Gaza.
However, Zara said that the advertisement included “a series of images of unfinished sculptures in a sculptor’s studio and was created with the sole purpose of showcasing craftmade garments in an artistic context” .
“Unfortunately, some customers felt offended by these images, which have now been removed, and saw in them something that was far from what was intended when they were created,” Zara stated in a statement that was issued a few days after the scandal was initially brought to light.
“Zara regrets that misunderstanding and we reaffirm our deep respect towards everyone.”
After receiving allegations that it had posted an Instagram photo of Christmas party hats in the colors of the Palestinian flag that were on fire, M&S issued an apology in the month of November.
The photograph, which was taken from a Christmas advertisement that was shot in August, displayed paper hats printed in red, green, and silver that were ablaze in a fireplace.
With the intention of “playfully showing that some people don’t enjoy wearing paper Christmas hats,” M&S stated that this was their intention.
However, in response to constructive criticism from users on social media, the company issued the following statement: “We have removed the post following feedback and we apologise for any unintentional hurt caused.”
According to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), it had received 116 complaints over the advertisement that M&S had published.
Across social media and television, the campaign that Zara ran has resulted in 110 complaints being filed with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which is presently conducting an investigation into the matter.
“Complainants argue that the imagery references the current Israel-Hamas conflict and is offensive,” said a spokesperson for the advertising authority. “The imagery is offensive.”
In advance of the controversy, Zara stated that “The Jacket” advertising campaign was “an exercise in concentrated design that is conceived to showcase the finest aspects of Zara’s creative and manufacturing capabilities, Zara Atelier offers one garment, six ways – and with unlimited possibilities” .