In a recent decision by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), a Calvin Klein advertisement featuring British singer FKA twigs has been banned, with the regulatory body asserting that it presented her as “a stereotypical sexual object.” The controversial poster, which first surfaced in April 2023, depicted the artist draped in a shirt, revealing part of one breast and the side of her buttocks, accompanied by the caption “Calvins or nothing.”
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The ASA received complaints from two individuals who argued that the ad inappropriately sexualized FKA twigs, a stance the regulatory authority ultimately concurred with. In their statement, the ASA emphasized that the advertisement utilized nudity and focused on the singer’s physical features rather than the clothing, thereby portraying her as a “stereotypical sexual object.” The ruling also deemed the ad “irresponsible and likely to cause serious offense,” leading to the directive that it “must not appear again in the form complained of.”
Interestingly, the ASA addressed similar objections raised against two Calvin Klein ads featuring model Kendall Jenner. While one image showed Jenner holding her breasts, the ASA deemed it acceptable, stating that it did not portray her as a sexual object. Another ad, featuring Jenner in lingerie, was also considered within the bounds of acceptable advertising.
Calvin Klein defended the FKA Twigs advertisement, asserting that the images were not vulgar and featured confident and empowered women who identified with the brand. The company argued that the poses adopted by both FKA twigs and Jenner were “natural and neutral.” They highlighted the collaboration with the artists, emphasizing that both approved the images and expressed a sense of empowerment and confidence in participating.
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FKA Twigs, known for celebrating her sexuality and femininity in her music and performances, has not commented on the ban as of now. Calvin Klein and the singer have been approached for further comment on the ASA’s decision.
This incident adds to the ongoing debate around the portrayal of women in advertising, with regulatory bodies like the ASA taking a stand against content deemed overly sexualized and potentially offensive.