Balenciaga has apologized for a controversial photograph featuring a toddler cradling a teddy bear while clad in a BDSM suit.
Balenciaga, a world-famous Spanish design business whose clients include Kim Kardashian and Nicole Kidman, appears to be placing the blame on the Italian photographer Gabriele Galimberti.
They issued a statement on Tuesday apologizing for the photograph and implying that legal action will be taken against Galimberti and anybody else involved.
Possibly more stranger, a Twitter user spotted an Easter egg in the shoot, with one of the photographs featuring a passage from the United States v. Williams ruling, which upheld a portion of a federal child pornography legislation.
The statement states, “We deeply regret for any offense caused by our Christmas promotion.” This campaign should not have showcased our plush bear bags with youngsters. We have withdrawn the campaign immediately from all platforms.
“We sincerely apologize for exposing disturbing materials in our campaign.” We are initiating legal action against the persons responsible for building the set and inserting unapproved objects for our Spring 23 advertising campaign photography. We firmly oppose all forms of child abuse. We advocate for the safety and well-being of children.
Balenciaga, a world-renowned Spanish design business whose clients include Kim Kardashian and Nicole Kidman, appears to be placing the responsibility on photographer Gabriele Galimberti.
Balenciaga has apologized for a photograph that many consider to be child pornography since it depicts a youngster cuddling a teddy bear dressed in a BDSM attire.
The bondage-covered teddy bears are really purses that debuted earlier this year on the runway.
Tuesday, Balenciaga issued a statement apologizing for the picture and possibly threatening legal action against Galimberti and any other parties involved.
According to the Daily Dot, the photographer Galimberti presented the photographs as part of a project series titled “Toy Stories,” an apparent homage to the Disney/Pixar film series.
On his website, he describes the project as follows: “I traveled to more than 50 nations over the course of two years and photographed boys and girls playing with their toys in their homes and communities.”
“From Texas to India, Malawi to China, Iceland, Morocco, and Fiji, I documented the spontaneous and genuine delight shared by children from varied origins,” Whether a youngster possesses an entire fleet of tiny vehicles or a single toy monkey, their pride is emotional, humorous, and thought-provoking.
According to his website, Galimberti has been featured in National Geographic, The Sunday Times, Stern, Geo, Le Monde, La Repubblica, and Marie Claire.
Additionally, his art has been exhibited at museums in England and Switzerland.
Galimberti does not appear to have addressed the problem, despite the fact that Instagram commentators have heavily criticized several of his photographs as child pornography.
On Balenciaga’s website, there were formerly two photographs of small children snuggling with the plush purses, which now appear to have been removed.
The opening image of the online store depicts a little child with ginger hair standing on a pink plush bed while carrying a white teddy bag by its leather strap.
In addition to wearing spiked leather bracelets on its arms and legs, the stuffed animal wears a mesh crop top with a chain and padlock across its neck.
The gift store portion of the website contains an additional image of a toddler seated on a couch and carrying a purple fuzzy toy bag.
The photos were marketed by the Italian photographer Galimberti as part of a project series titled ‘Toy Stories,’ an apparent homage to the Disney/Pixar film series.
On social media, outraged parents called the photographs “weird and inappropriate”
In addition to a leather S&M outfit, the stuffed animal appears to be wearing a black lace thong.
A blue toy bag has been put on a side table in the backdrop and covered with more studded leather bands.
Although the bags are not currently for sale on their website, the photographs were created to showcase their gift selection, which includes reusable coffee mugs and a dog harness.
The ad photos have, unsurprisingly, generated a stir among parents on social media, who have labeled them “creepy” and “uncomfortable.”
One Twitter user speculated, “How many adults must have been engaged in this?” Parents, photographers, creative directors, copywriters, design agency employees, producers, managers, and advertising… not a single one of them thought, “Wait a minute?”
Parents were shocked that the photoshoot was approved, with some describing the photographs as “uncomfortable.”
Mumsnet users were outraged by the photographs and accused the company of attempting to’shock’ individuals.
Another person said, “Jesus, it is weird and awful!”
On Mumsnet, parents criticized the “very inappropriate” photograph.
One author opined, “B****y typical of Balenciaga.” They use shock to attract attention to their pricey trash. It’s like a sociological experiment on how absurd their items are, yet people continue to purchase them.
This, though, is revolting and verges on wicked. What caused this child’s parents to believe this is normal is beyond my comprehension. “That is an extremely unsettling vision,” commented another.
Candace Owens, a conservative broadcaster, urged Kim Kardashian and her sister Khloe to criticize the photoshoots.
Owens wrote that he was thrilled to see Kim Kardashian utilize her platform to condemn anti-Semitism. Since she is one of the brand’s faces, it would be interesting to see whether she uses the same platform to oppose the obvious child pornography documents pushed in #Balenciaga advertisements. @khloekardashian —you too!’
Kardashian was photographed wearing Balenciaga when she exited her LA office after a shoot on Monday.
The 42-year-old reality personality was spotted wearing Balenciaga and Adidas, two brands that ditched West, 45, after his recent anti-Semitic comments.
Kim wore a top from the collaboration between the two designers, a black long-sleeve blouse with white stripes on the sleeves and the names of the labels put in the middle of the chest.
Kardashian was spotted wearing Balenciaga when she exited her Los Angeles office after a shoot on Monday.
Making a proclamation? Kim wore a top from the current collaboration between the two designers, a long-sleeve black blouse with white stripes on the sleeves and the companies’ names positioned in the middle of the chest.
Kim displayed her toned legs as she exited the vehicle while wearing black flip-flops. She also looked to be wearing black Balenciaga sunglasses.
Her hair cascaded over her chest in loose, wispy waves, and a dab of lip gloss completed her look by enhancing her innate attractiveness.
Kim appeared to be mocking her ex-boyfriend on Instagram on Monday.
She was wearing a Balenciaga x Adidas shirt and black Balenciaga boots once more. She captioned the photo, “Hey.”