FKA Twigs Calvin Klein Ad Banned for Sexual Objectification
In a recent ruling, the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a Calvin Klein advertisement featuring British singer FKA twigs, citing concerns of sexual objectification. The ad, which prominently displayed partial nudity, has been deemed as presenting the artist as a "stereotypical sexual object."
The controversial poster showcased FKA twigs with a shirt draped across her body, revealing a glimpse of one breast and the side of her buttocks. Accompanied by the caption "Calvins or nothing," the ad drew criticism from two individuals who felt it inappropriately sexualized the singer. The ASA supported their concerns, stating that the ad focused on FKA twigs' physical features rather than the clothing, leading to the perception of her as a sexual object.
According to the ASA's ruling, the ad was also deemed "irresponsible and likely to cause serious offense." Consequently, the advertisement, which first appeared in April 2023, has been banned in its current form and is not allowed to be displayed again.
Interestingly, the ASA did not find fault with a pair of Calvin Klein ads featuring model Kendall Jenner, which were also reported by the same complainants. The authority determined that one of the ads, depicting Jenner holding her breasts, did not portray her as a sexual object. Moreover, they stated that the other ad fell within the acceptable boundaries of lingerie advertising.
Calvin Klein has come to the defense of the FKA twigs ad, emphasizing that the images were not vulgar and showcased two confident and empowered women who chose to identify with the Calvin Klein brand. The company argued that the poses adopted by both FKA twigs and Jenner were natural and neutral. Additionally, they highlighted that both artists collaborated with the brand, approved the images, and expressed a sense of empowerment and confidence from their participation. Calvin Klein also pointed out that male models were included in the same campaign.
As for FKA twigs, known for celebrating her sexuality and femininity in her music and live performances, she has not commented on the ban at this time.
In recent updates, FKA twigs shared on Instagram that she has been working on her next album in various locations, including cabs in Berlin, huts in Big Sur, caves in Ibiza, and roads in Hackney. She expressed her creative process, stating that she has written lyrics by lakes in Prague and even in the toilets of raves, using a biro on the back of her hand. This upcoming album will follow her acclaimed 2022 mixtape, Caprisongs, as well as her previous studio albums, LP1 (2014) and Magdalene (2019).
By addressing the controversy surrounding the banned Calvin Klein ad featuring FKA twigs, it raises important discussions about the portrayal of women in advertising, the fine line between empowerment and objectification, and the role of artistic expression in the fashion industry.