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Since October 7, images of the more than 18,000 deaths from Gaza have been distributed daily. The dead are often wrapped in white shrouds. Traditionally, Muslims do not bury their deceased in coffins, but in linen cloths.
Fashion giant Zara has now reproduced the images of the wrapped bodies for advertising purposes. ‘The Jacket’ campaign shocked the internet. Photos show a model posing among broken bricks, damaged statues and broken drywall. Also pictured: dolls wrapped in white sheets. Countless users are shocked by this and are calling for an immediate boycott of the fashion chain. Palestine flags and “Free Palestine” slogans pile up in the comments.
“The most tactless thing I have ever seen,” said one user. Another user wrote: “The first thing I thought of was the destruction, death and rubble in Gaza. I saw a wrapped body in what looked like a devastated area.” A third user doesn’t understand the purpose of the campaign. He writes: “What do corpses wrapped in white cloths and crushed debris have to do with the jacket? This whole campaign is disgusting and barbaric.”
Zara shifts the blame
After the heavy criticism, Zara deleted the photos. The fashion giant also published a statement on Instagram. It says the campaign was conceived in July and photographed in September – before the start of the current war between Hamas and Israel. Zara also writes that the images “show a series of unfinished sculptures in a sculptor’s studio” to “present handmade garments in an artistic context.”
Zara offers no real apology. Instead, the fashion giant shifted the blame to its customers: “Unfortunately, some customers felt offended by these images. They saw something completely different than what was intended. Zara regrets this misunderstanding and we reiterate our deep respect for everyone.”
Many users are not satisfied with the statement. They continue to comment diligently. “The audacity to blame others for misinterpreting art,” someone complains. Another user wrote: “This is almost as shameful as the campaign itself. Not even an apology.” For others it’s clear: “Nice try, but I’m still boycotting.”
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
