‘Boycott Zara’ Public Outrages Over Fashion Brand Ads Gaza Genocide Resemblance (image-twitter/zara)
Spanish clothing brand Zara is now entangled in a controversy after it released a campaign which resembled the Gaza genocide. The campaign highlighting the versatility of its new edition resulted in spread of outrage among public, especially online.
The images published by the Spanish retailer highly resembled Islamic burial attire, a body covered in white shroud, an upside-down map of Palestine. These images drew stark parallel to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The campaign, named The Jacket, is part of Atelier series, which it describes as “a limited-edition collection from the house celebrating our commitment to craftmanship and passion for artistic expression”.
ZARA ATELIER. Collection 04_The Jacket
A limited edition collection from the house celebrating our commitment to craftsmanship and passion for artistic expression. https://t.co/EiUO0avB4w pic.twitter.com/nK15aTYNdJ— ZARA (@ZARA) December 8, 2023
Many has come criticising the brand for exploiting tragic events for marketing purposes. Palestinian artist Hazem Harb also commented on the campaign and has called out for boycotting the brand. Boycott Zara is now trending on social media platforms.
“Using death and destruction as a backdrop for fashion is beyond sinister, its complicity and should outrage us as consumers. Boycott Zara,” Harb wrote on Instagram.
The images featured American model McMenamy wearing a series of different jackets, standing in a white room, surrounded by wooden crates and concrete rubble was photographed by Tim Walker. The art direction was done by French American company Baron & Baron.
When the brand was exposed to several criticism, they removed all images featuring the studded jacket and kept the only photograph that remains online is a close-up of the garment.
The company has not responded to the backlash yet.
Videos posted on social media showed people burning clothing sold by the fashion chain after the gathering hosted by Joey Schwebel, chairman of Trimera Brands, the Israeli franchise holder for Zara, reports the National.
Zara was founded in Spain in 1975. The chain has more than 2,000 stores in more than 90 countries, with multiple outlets in the UAE including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
