BANNED FASHION ADS

There are numerous reasons why a fashion adverting campaign is banned. Nudity, indecent exposure, sex & drugs, violence, or any image that provokes or causes controversy in all the wrong reasons. However, in now-a-days what is deemed as inappropriate? Are fashion ads banned in all the wrong reasons? Are some people still too conservative for a bit of fun, humour or just something a little bit sexy? By what standard is too far, too far? Are people at this modern world still bothered by a little bit of nudity, well apparently so… Let’s take a look at all the past fashion ads that caused controversy and were banned as a result.

Banned: The Prada Ad (2011)

The latest banned ad featuriing nominated Oscar child actress Hailee Steinfld, this fashion ad, shot by top photographer Bruce Weber, saw Hailee sitting alone and crying on a railway track, in which the ASA says it was suggestive of youth suicide and irresponsible and that it showed a child in an unsafe location – REALLY?

Another complaint was that the model used was too young, I agree that the Hailee, which is 14 is far too young to star in a high fashion campaign. Same with Marc Jacobs Lola perfume campaign, which was under fire for using 13 year old Elle Fanning and her 17 year old sister Dakota Fanning to star in the ads’. In which Dakota was sitting in a provocative position with a massive perfume bottom in between her legs. THAT was inappropriate, I think.

I find it quite obscene that children of 13 and 14 years of age, no matter whether they are stars or not, to be portrayed in such a sexual way.

Banned: Tom Ford for Men Ad, I actually find this one very clever, but not for everything taste…

Banned: Tom Ford eyewear‘Banned: Gucci ad (2003)

Perhaps the most iconic and controversial among all the banned ads, this one was the most memorable of all. This witty, humorous ad saw Gucci maring the spot with a G where model Carmen Kass was pictured pulling down her knickers and showing off her body hair shaced into the letter G. Shot by the famous Mario Testino, he called the image Pubic Enemy and have caused such public outcry and was marked ‘vile, coarse and degrading to women.

Almost Banned: Yves Saint Laurent Opium ad (2000)

Featuring a naked Sophie Dhal, this now infamous ad had become the most offensive ad of 2000, receiving a record number of complaints in the ASSA history. Also by Gucci boss Tom Ford. This guy really likes causing controversy!

Banned: American Apparel ad, need I say more?

Banned: CK Jeans Ad, deemed to sexual

Banned: CK Secret Obsession ad starring Eva Mendez, excessive nudity!

Banned: Julianna Moore for Bulgari, I don’t mind this one, at least she’s got most of her body parts covered up and I can’t get my eyes off the cute little tigers!