Balenciaga withdraws the controversial campaign with children and ‘sado’ stuffed animals: “We apologize”

by

The luxury firm Balenciaga has had to stop dead, apologize and withdraw from all its platforms the controversial advertising campaign in which it presented boys and girls with bear bags dressed in “bondage” clothing, that is, they show icons related to slavery or captivity, and that have clear connotations related to extreme sexual tastes.

The images of the campaign have been quite a scandal. They included several girls and boys with stuffed animals that they dressed in thongs, bridles and sadomasochistic straps. The “happy” advertising idea, photographed by the Italian photographer Gabriele Galimberti, was posted on the brand’s websites to focus on the Balenciaga Gift Shop Christmas sales campaign.

The little models appeared dressed in garments from the Balenciaga Kids line, clothes whose elegance, comfort and innocence were nullified by the sexualized style shown by stuffed animals.

Last week Balenciaga explained in a statement that the campaign in question was inspired by the Disney movie Toy Story and “explored what people collect and receive as gifts.” According to the fashion company, the new line included “dozens of new products. From household items, pet clothing and fragrances, and everyday items, to limited-edition collectibles and custom furniture.”

The mix of children and sadomasochism has not been well received by anyone and the general opinion is that on this occasion the luxury brand, owned by the French business conglomerate Kering, and whose creative director since 2015 is the Georgian-born designer Demna Gvasalia, there has been a lot of braking when using minors.

Social networks were quick to cry out against the photos starring very young boys and girls and branded them as “disgusting” and “creepy”, among other qualifying adjectives. In addition to the ones that contained teddy bears dressed to immediately have a “sadomaso” session, other no less surprising ones appeared, with children next to empty wine glasses, an image that has also been harshly criticized.

History of paw meths

And it is that the luxury firm abounds in campaigns that generate astonishment and rejection. As recounted The newspaperthe history of provocation includes “destroyed” sneakers, lace earrings or a copy of the Ikea blue raffia bag.

Read also– The latest from Balenciaga: a bag of Lays potatoes as a bag for 1,900 euros




Balenciaga has posted his apology statement on a a story from her Instagram account: “We sincerely apologize for any offense our holiday campaign may have caused. Our teddy bear bags should not have been featured with children in this campaign. We have immediately removed the campaign from all platforms.”




For his part, the photographer has also disclaimed any responsibility through his account of the aforementioned social network: “I have not been able to choose the objects, the models, or the combination thereof.” “As a photographer, I was only required to light the given scene and take the photos according to my characteristic style,” he said.




Shortly after the company has issued another statement to apologize for another scandal. His next campaign, Spring 23, included documents on a Supreme Court case related to child pornography laws: “We apologize for displaying disturbing documents on our campaign. We take this matter very seriously and will take legal action against the parties responsible.” to create the outfit and include unapproved items for our Spring 23 campaign photo shoot.”

To emphasize their position, they have stressed their commitment against any child abuse: “We strongly condemn child abuse in any form. We defend the safety and well-being of children.”

The brand has asked for “sincere apologies”, but the networks are suspicious, because it is possible that Balenciaga has used the campaign, with the expected scandal, as a strategy to draw more attention to its products using controversial content.