FKA Twigs’ Calvin Klein advertisement has caused quite a stir in the United Kingdom, leading to its removal by the country’s advertising regulator. The ad featured the 36-year-old artist draped in a shirt, revealing her bare body with her chest covered and her booty on display. The image was accompanied by the phrase “Calvins or nothing.” However, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received complaints from two individuals who found the ad inappropriate and offensive.
According to the ASA, the image was deemed irresponsible and likely to cause serious offense. The regulator’s statement argued that the ad used nudity and focused on FKA Twigs’ physical attributes rather than emphasizing the clothing being advertised. Consequently, the ASA believed that the image portrayed her as a stereotypical sexual object, which warranted its removal from circulation.
Interestingly, FKA Twigs’ Calvin Klein ad was released back in April 2023, prompting questions about why it has only recently attracted significant criticism. While the reasons for this delayed reaction remain unclear, the ASA’s ruling prohibits the image from reappearing in its current form.
In addition to Twigs’ ad, complaints were also lodged against Kendall Jenner’s topless Calvin Klein advertisement. However, the regulators concluded that Jenner’s portrayal did not depict her as a sexual object and aligned with the brand’s other promotional content of a similar nature.
As of now, there has been no public response from FKA Twigs regarding the ASA’s decision. However, given that the singer frequently shares risqué photos of herself on social media, it is likely that she does not agree with the regulatory organization’s assessment. In fact, just last November, Twigs posted a video on Instagram from a photoshoot with Viktor&Rolf fragrances, where she posed unclothed with only a sheer cloth partially covering her body.
Calvin Klein, the apparel brand responsible for the controversial ad, has come forward in support of FKA Twigs. They argue that the images were not vulgar and featured two confident and empowered women who voluntarily associated themselves with the Calvin Klein brand. According to the brand, the advertisement carried a progressive and enlightened message.
Recent publicity for Calvin Klein also involved a viral ad featuring Jeremy Allen White, known for his role in the television series “The Bear.” The ad featured black-and-white photos and videos showcasing White’s muscular physique as he sported skin-tight underwear.
The removal of FKA Twigs’ Calvin Klein advertisement due to complaints of offensiveness raises important questions about nudity and sexual objectification in advertising. Despite the brand’s defense and Twigs’ own provocative social media presence, it appears that there is a difference of opinion on the subject. As society continues to grapple with notions of empowerment, it is likely that discussions surrounding the representation of bodies and sexuality in advertisements will persist.
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