Worldwide stores of clothing brand, Zara, are witnessing a wave of pro-Palestine protests as demonstrators voice their condemnation of the brand’s recent controversial fashion collection.
The protests are echoing the sentiments of those appalled by the controversial social media content and stand in support of the besieged Gaza Strip.
The worldwide movement emphasises the growing global awareness and activism against any form of suppression.
Consumers have united in sending a clear message that they will not support businesses that profit from human suffering and genocide.
Meanwhile, Zara, the fast-fashion retailer, said on Tuesday that it had removed an ad campaign, after critics said the imagery brought to mind scenes from the Israel-Hamas War and called it insensitive.
The campaign, which was called “The Jacket,” featured the model Kristen McMenamy and was photographed by Tim Walker. In one of the images, McMenamy is holding what appears to be a mannequin wrapped in a white cloth material. In another image, what looks to be white powder is sprinkled on the floor.
“Unfortunately, some customers felt offended by these images,” the fast-fashion brand said in a company statement posted Tuesday on Instagram, adding that people “saw in them something far from what was intended when they were created.” The company said it “regrets that misunderstanding.”
The company also noted in the statement that the campaign was conceived in July and photographed in September, before the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. The campaign, which featured images of unfinished sculptures in an art studio, was developed for “the sole purpose of showcasing craft-made garments in an artistic context,” the company said. (Foreign Media)
Protests in support of Palestine have called for a boycott of the fashion chain Zara after the release of promotional photos resembling Israel's war on Gaza. pic.twitter.com/AVFysZ88xM
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 13, 2023