2 godzin temu
Fashion giant Zara published “socially irresponsible” photos of models who appeared to be unhealthily thin, the advertising watchdog has ruled.
The two product listings on the Zara website in May featured an image of a model wearing an oversize pocket shirt and another of a model wearing a voluminous combined short dress.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received one complaint that the ads were irresponsible because the models appeared to be unhealthily thin.
Zara said the models had worked for well-known and reputable fashion brands and that they had medical certification that proved they were in good health. It added that none of the images had been modified, beyond minor lighting and colouring edits.
Zara confirmed that it had amended the product listings after receiving the complaint and removed the specific images.
The ASA said the low-cut design of the shirt in the first advertisement drew attention to the model's upper chest area, creating a focal point around her protruding collarbone. The positioning of her arms whilst wearing the baggy shirt also created the impression that her arms, shoulders and chest were very slim.
The ASA said: “Overall, we considered that the pose of the model and the choice of clothing in the ad created the impression that the model was unhealthily thin.”
A Zara UK spokesman said: “We note the ASA’s decision following an individual complaint regarding two images on our website which we removed when the ASA made us aware.
“We are committed to responsible content and follow stringent guidelines and controls in the selection and photographing of models, as well as in the selection of images.”
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
