While the internet was busy losing its marbles over Jeremy Allen White’s steamy Calvin Klein ad, FKA Twigs was facing some censorship over hers.
As reported by Variety, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned an ad from Calvin Klein’s Spring 2023 campaign featuring the singer wearing a denim shirt over her shoulder, with part of her profile exposed. In its explanation, the organisation claimed that the “image’s composition placed viewers’ focus on the model’s body rather than on the clothing being advertised” and that her “physical features” had “presented her as a stereotypical sexual object.”
“We, therefore, concluded the ad was irresponsible and likely to cause serious offence,” they wrote.
Anyone familiar with the brand’s work will know that sensual imagery featuring its denim and not much else has been Calvin Klein’s shtick since the early ’80s.
Despite also featuring a topless Kendall Jenner, the ASA didn’t find the same issue with other campaign imagery, claiming that they “were unlikely to be seen as irresponsible or cause serious or widespread offence on the basis of objectification,” per the agency.
“Doing [this campaign] means I can be who I am—a strong woman. That isn’t going to go in and out of fashion,” said Twigs to Rolling Stone magazine at the time of the launch. “When I’m in my 60s and have grandchildren, I can show them these pictures and say, ‘Your grandmother was strong.’”
Calvin Klein took to defending the images, writing that Twigs’ poses were “natural and neutral” in a statement.
“The images were not vulgar and were of two confident and empowered women who had chosen to identify with the Calvin Klein brand,” wrote the brand in a statement pushing back on the decision. “The ads contained a progressive and enlightened message.”
Naturally, netizens have pointed out the alleged double standard being applied to Twigs’ appearance, particularly after Allen White’s viral campaign was deemed as more sexualised.
Outraged fans have taken to the comments section of the British singer’s initial post from last year in support of her.
In the extended clip of her campaign, the professional dancer delivers a mesmerising performance clad in a bra and underwear.
