Zara issues clarification over controversial photoshoot, Faryal Makhdoom calls it ‘utter b/s’

Spanish fashion label Zara has removed all the pictures of their latest campaign which took the internet by storm for its glaring similarity with the ongoing siege of Gaza. “Zara regrets that misunderstanding and we reaffirm our deep respect towards everyone,” states the statement of the brand.

The statement says that the idea was purely artistic and it was conceived and executed way before October 7.

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Netizens are commenting and criticising Zara without having any qualms as a fashion blogger and YouTuber Faryal Makhdoom commented, “whatever, utter b/s”.

Blogger Sana Khader posted, “How easy for you to come and gaslight us. We all know it was intentional. What do you have to tell us about the Map of Palestine in the background of your pictures? Was it also planned before? Don’t be ridiculous. You’re done.”

Model Romi Allata, commented, “Boycott Zara FOREVER , Now the whole world can know the true you we don’t need a toxic apology.”

Previously, fashion label Zara ignited a new wave of controversy with its recently launched ad campaign, with model Kristen McMenamy standing in a room with mannequins covered in white shrouds surrounded by rubble.

The caption however suggests that Zara’s latest is a “limited edition collection” to celebrate the label’s “commitment to craftsmanship and passion for artistic expression”. However, internet users are alleging that the ad bears a striking resemblance to images of Gaza under Israeli airstrikes.

Zara has not offered any official statement addressing the claims. However, the most controversial picture from the ad campaign, featuring the model holding a ‘body’ wrapped in white sheets appears to have been removed from the label’s Instagram and Twitter.

“And the award for the most tone-deaf brand of the year goes to Zara. Using imagery of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians to sell their fast fashion brand of clothing,” criticised a Twitter user.

And the award for most tone deaf brand of the year goes to @ZARA 🤮

🚨Using imagery of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians to sell their fast fashion brand of clothing. pic.twitter.com/H1vkAorfuC

— AHMED | أحمد (@ASE) December 9, 2023

Pro-Palestinian accounts took to Twitter to start the campaign against the Spanish retailer for it to be banned altogether for using genocide in Gaza to promote their new collection. #boycottzara has been trending on Twitter ever since.

Marketing over a #genocide.

New low. Our pain isn’t for sale.

Shame @ZARA. #boycottZara pic.twitter.com/PHWBrjyfKQ

— Enaam S. (@AnamSalem) December 9, 2023

Some were reminded of the heart-wrenching picture of a mother holding her dead child in funerary shrouds, almost similar to the one posted by Zara.

Has any brand ever stooped this low? #BoycottZara pic.twitter.com/AOIEBIClK0

— Siddharth (@DearthOfSid) December 11, 2023

Disgusting! Zara has no sense of humanity. Mocking the tragedies of victims for marketing, unbelievable. #boycottZara #Strike_for_Gaza pic.twitter.com/hJHJwXa1g7

— 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐦 ✌️🇵🇸 (@Malcolm_Gazza) December 11, 2023

Others demanded the brand be boycotted for hitting a new low.

Boycott Zara if you haven’t yet!

They announced their new collection using the genocide in #Gaza pic.twitter.com/ISZzwO7PgR

— The Palestinian (@InsiderWorld_1) December 9, 2023

In 2021, the company experienced a similar backlash after its head designer, Vanessa Perilman, made anti-Palestinian comments on social media.
“Maybe if your people were educated then they wouldn’t blow up the hospitals and schools that Israel helped to pay for in Gaza,” Perilman had told Palestinian model Qaher Harhash on Instagram.

"Maybe if your people were educated then they wouldn’t blow up the hospitals and schools that Israel helped to pay for in Gaza"

– Vanessa Perilman, Zara head designer pic.twitter.com/3IfVa8Iz20

— muslim daily (@muslimdaily_) December 9, 2023

Actor Ushna Shah laments the world we live in where they are openly killing and openly mocking.

The US vetoes a ceasefire, the UN gives toy-food resembling McDonald's to Gaza, and Zara's latest fashion campaign features bodies wrapped in shrouds amidst rubble. Do you see what the world has become? They are openly killing, openly mocking. Can you now perceive the true…

— Ushna Shah (@ushnashah) December 9, 2023

Zara’s branches in occupied territories reportedly suffered significant financial losses due to the previous boycott, estimated at tens of millions of shekels within a short period.

Since October 7, many have joined the boycott campaign against several multinational brands for their links to Israel and in some cases their support for them.

The brands include McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks, and H&M, among others.