Balenciaga’s creative director, Demna Gvasalia, and CEO Cedric Charbit have issued a heartfelt apology for the highly controversial kids S&M ad campaign and have decided to drop their court case against the production company, North Six. The campaign caused a massive uproar in the fashion industry, drawing widespread criticism and outrage.
In their apology letter, Demna personally took full responsibility for the concept of the campaign and acknowledged that it was completely inappropriate to have children promoting objects that have no relation to them. He stated that the intention was never to provoke thought about child abuse and strongly condemned such behavior. The decision to include sado-masochistic dolls, which were originally seen in Balenciaga’s catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week, alongside toddlers surrounded by wine glasses in the ad campaign, faced severe backlash on social media for exploiting children for commercial purposes.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Demna expressed his sincere willingness to learn from this experience and expressed the desire to engage with child protection organizations. He aims to gain a deeper understanding of the issue and contribute towards addressing it effectively. Demna offered his sincerest apologies to anyone who was offended by the visuals and assured that Balenciaga would take appropriate measures to avoid similar mistakes in the future and protect child welfare.
CEO Charbit announced a significant step towards ensuring accountability within the company by establishing an image board. This board will be responsible for evaluating the nature of Balenciaga’s content from the initial concept to the final assets. This measure aims to prevent any further instances where the company’s aesthetic decisions may lead to controversy or offense.
Additionally, Balenciaga made the decision to drop their litigation against North Six, a move that received mixed reactions. Many individuals within the industry were shocked by the house’s initial failure to take responsibility for their own aesthetic decisions, especially considering the provocative reputation of their designer. In response to the controversy, Charbit disclosed that Balenciaga would commence a “listening tour” with his team, actively engaging with advocacy groups dedicated to protecting children. Furthermore, the company has allocated a considerable sum of money for grants to organizations striving to combat the issues highlighted by the campaign.
The apology and the decision to drop the court case demonstrate Balenciaga’s unwavering commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the ad campaign. The company acknowledges the need for accountability and is taking proactive steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. Through their engagement with child protection organizations and support for initiatives safeguarding children’s welfare, Balenciaga aims to make a positive difference in this crucial matter.
It is essential for the entire fashion industry to learn from this situation and prioritize ethics and responsibility in their advertising and creative decisions. Only by doing so can the industry move towards a more inclusive and conscious future.
Useful Links:
NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
Save the Children
