Balenciaga’s creative director apologises over controversial campaign criticised by Kim Kardashian | Ents & Arts News

Balenciaga’s creative designer has personally apologized for the fashion house’s latest campaign criticized by the likes of Kim Kardashian, admitting it was “inappropriate” and “wrong art choices”.

Demna Gvasalia said he was responsible for the scandal and that although he wanted to “provoke thoughts” through his work, he would never do so on the subject of child abuse.

Images for the campaign include kids hugging teddy bears dressed in BDSM style and surrounded by a variety of other items.

The backlash was exacerbated when photos of a second campaign with Adidas showed a bag placed on top of legal documents related to child pornography.

The French-owned fashion house has since deleted its Instagram post about the campaign, but not before it sparked a huge wave of controversy online, including from Kim, 42. kardashian.

After remaining silent for several days, Kardashian released a statement on social media after becoming embroiled in controversy over the ad campaign as an ambassador for Balenciaga, saying that she is “… reassess its relationship” with the brand.

In an online message, Georgian fashion designer Mr Gvasalia wrote: “I would like to personally apologize for the wrong choice of art ideas for the children’s gift campaign and I take responsibility for my actions. me.

“It’s not appropriate for children to advertise objects that have nothing to do with them.

“While I sometimes want to spark thought through my work, I NEVER intended to do so with a subject as horrific as child abuse that I condemn. End.”

He added that he would be engaging with child protection organizations to learn how to “contribute and help on this terrible subject”.

“I apologize to anyone offended by the image and Balenciaga ensures that appropriate measures will be taken not only to avoid similar mistakes in the future, but also to take responsibility to protect children’s welfare. in any way possible,” he wrote.

Mr Gvasalia also posted a statement from Balenciaga’s chief executive, Cedric Charbit, which stated that “the fashion house’s content validation process has failed and we realize we need to do better”.

The statement added that the house had “decided not to pursue the lawsuit” and that it wanted to “learn, help and contribute to the protection of children”.

In her own statement, Kardashian said she has kept quiet in the days since the campaign was first posted online because she wanted to talk to the brand to “understand for herself how this could happen.” how”.

She wrote: “I have been silent for the past few days, not because I am not disgusted and outraged by Balenciaga’s recent campaigns, but because I wanted the opportunity to speak to their team for myself. understand how this can happen..

“As a mother of four, I am shocked by these disturbing images.

“Children’s safety must be of the utmost importance and any attempt to normalize child abuse of any kind will have no place in our society – these days.”

She continued: “I appreciate Balenciaga’s removal of campaigns and apologies.

“When I speak to them, I believe they understand the seriousness of the problem and will take the necessary measures so that this never happens again.”