Zara has found itself in deep controversy after the release of its new ad campaign showcasing its latest collection. The campaign bears resemblance to the images reported of the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict.
In its latest fashion campaign, the American model Christen McMenamy can be seen carrying a mannequin covered in a white fabric and another image shows the model standing inside a wooden box. Netizens were quick to point out similarities with the ongoing conflict’s media coverage, like the bodies of the deceased covered in white shrouds. Some even noticed the map of Palestine as a prop and the brand soon started being called out, for the insensitive portrayal of the conflict, through trending hashtags.
#Zara, shame on you, what a cruel, repugnant organization you are. How could you mock the innocent murdered loved ones of others? This is sickening, and people from all over the world buy clothing from you. I hope this is shared as much as possible, and that you will experience… pic.twitter.com/kMmucljiBD
— Pepesrana (@Pepesrana) December 10, 2023
Although the primary focus of the advertisement seems to be to promote the jacket worn by McMenamy, social media users draw parallels between her standing in the wooden box and the numerous pictures of coffins circulating online.
"Maybe if your people were educated then they wouldn’t blow up the hospitals and schools that Israel helped to pay for in Gaza"
— muslim daily (@muslimdaily_) December 9, 2023
– Vanessa Perilman, Zara head designer pic.twitter.com/3IfVa8Iz20
Following the release of this controversial campaign, people dug up Zara’s Head Designer, Vanessa Perilman’s previous message to Palestinian model Qaher Harhash on Instagram.
Also Read: Israeli Forces Strike In The “In The Heart” Of Khan Younis; Gaza’s Second-Largest City
“Maybe if your people were educated then they wouldn’t blow up the hospitals and schools that Israel helped to pay for in Gaza. Israelis don’t teach children to hate nor throw stones at the soldiers as your people do,” Perliman had said in 2021. Zara meanwhile has not yet responded to the backlash.
