FKA Twigs Calvin Klein UK Ad Ban is Truly Dubious
FKA Twigs Calvin Klein UK Ad Ban is Truly Dubious
Calvin Klein’s campaign, featuring British singer FKA twigs, has stirred up quite a storm in the UK. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) recently made the bold move to ban an ad, claiming it presented FKA twigs as “a stereotypical sexual object.” While there must be nuance to all things in life – while the decision is no doubt made in order to protect women and young consumers, it also reeks of double standard for reasons we’ll get into. Let’s dive into the controversy surrounding the FKA twigs Calvin Klein ad and explore the reasons behind the ban.
FKA Twigs and Calvin Klein: A Banned Affair
In April 2023, Calvin Klein unveiled a provocative poster featuring FKA twigs, draped in a denim shirt that strategically revealed part of her breast and buttocks. The caption “Calvins or nothing” added a cheeky touch to the overall composition. However, the ASA received two complaints, asserting that the image inappropriately sexualized the singer.
According to the ASA’s statement, the ad “used nudity and centred on FKA twigs’ physical features rather than the clothing, to the extent that it presented her as a stereotypical sexual object.” The ruling further deemed the advert “irresponsible and likely to cause serious offence,” leading to its ban.
Double Standards? Comparing FKA Twigs and Kendall Jenner
Interestingly, two complainants also raised concerns about ads featuring model Kendall Jenner from the same Calvin Klein campaign. However, the ASA ruled in favor of Kendall Jenner, stating that her images did not portray her as a sexual object and fell within acceptable boundaries for lingerie advertising.
Calvin Klein defended the FKA twigs ad, emphasizing that both FKA twigs and Jenner actively collaborated with the brand and approved the images. The brand argued that the poses were “natural and neutral,” and the images conveyed a “progressive and enlightened message.” Despite the controversy, FKA twigs has not publicly commented on the ban.
Unpacking the Double Standards
While Calvin Klein stands by its creative choices, the ban has sparked conversations about double standards in the fashion industry. A recent Calvin Klein campaign featuring actor Jeremy Allen White received positive attention, with his shirtless images being praised as “national landmark”-worthy.
The comparison between FKA twigs and Jeremy Allen White’s campaigns highlights societal double standards in how men’s and women’s bodies are perceived. FKA twigs’ ban has led to discussions about the objectification of women in advertising, while Jeremy Allen White’s campaign has faced no such scrutiny.
Calvin Klein’s Response and the Future
Calvin Klein remains unapologetic, asserting that the banned images were not vulgar and showcased “confident and empowered women.” The brand continues to defend its creative choices, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the campaigns with FKA twigs and Kendall Jenner.
As the controversy unfolds, it raises questions about the evolving standards in advertising and the need for a more inclusive and balanced representation of diverse bodies. Only time will tell how this ban will influence future campaigns and if it sparks a broader industry dialogue on gender equality in advertising. Until then, the Calvin Klein ad featuring FKA twigs remains under wraps in the UK, leaving us to ponder the boundaries of creative expression in the world of fashion.