Known as one of the biggest fashion brands in the world, Balenciaga is facing backlash once again. After publishing a campaign called Balenciaga Gift Shop.
The luxury brand issued an apology after two photographic sessions, one of which showed images the Supreme Court deemed as child pornography. Because of this, many of the brand’s collaborators like Kim Kardashian have announced she’ll be evaluating her future relationship with Balenciaga.
“We sincerely apologize for any offense our Christmas campaign may have caused. Our bags of teddy bears should not have appeared with children in this campaign. We immediately removed the campaign from all platforms”, said Balenciaga.
The luxury brand expressed deep concern regarding the inclusion of ‘disturbing documents’ in a separate campaign and issued an apology.
“We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness and have initiated legal proceedings against those responsible for organizing the shoot and including unauthorized items in our spring 2023 campaign photo shoot.”
What has Balenciaga done?
This brand has become famous because of its polemic campaigns, ambassadors, and revolutionary designs. When the Spanish brand began in 1919 it moved to Paris, France. Balenciaga quickly became a basic element in female sewing, with structured silhouettes. But then the brand moved on to more of an urban scene, guided by creative director Demma Gvasalia.
By 2022, this fashion house became one of the top five biggest brands in fashion. Furthermore, associated with Yeezy for their collaboration on YEEZY GAP. Even going as far as recruiting figures in the likes of Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, and the Kardashians (especially Kim).
In recent months the brand cut ties with Ye (Kanye West), for a series of antisemitic comments. Causing a loss of $2 hundred million in one day. As well as Balenciaga was accused of cultural appropriation back in 2021, for selling a pair of tracksuit pants for $1,190.
“Sagging attire has been consequential for African Americans, yet companies like Balenciaga seek to capitalize off of Blacks and Black cultural styles while failing to challenge systematic racism that criminalizes Blacks and Black clothing trends,” said Marquita Gammage (associate professor of Africana Studies at California State University)
Meanwhile, Balenciaga’s most recent campaign is making people want to boycott the whole brand completely. The hashtag #CancelBalenciaga still gains popularity over the days.
Over the week the campaign ‘Gift Shop’ received strong criticism when users on social media noticed teddy bears who appeared wearing bondage clothing and BDSM. Including fishnet tops, studded leather harnesses, and padlocked collars. After this, the media is blaming Balenciaga for the sexualization of children and for normalizing child pornography.
Balenciaga Right After…
After apologizing through publicity campaigns, the brand deleted all their publication on Instagram. And silently deleting their Twitter at the beginning of the month.
As of right now, the fashion issued legal action against those involved in the photoshoot. And will demand production house, North Six Inc., and agent Nicholas Des Jardins. As a result, Balenciaga demands $25 million in “damages and prejudices” for “all damages resulting from this false association.”
