Zara says it regrets Gaza images misunderstanding

Zara has expressed regret for a “misunderstanding” regarding an ad campaign that drew criticism for featuring images reminiscent of the Israel-Gaza war. Following days of backlash on social media and complaints to the UK’s advertising watchdog, Zara has removed the remaining pictures. The campaign, titled “The Jacket,” depicted a model against backgrounds of cracked stones, damaged statues, and broken plasterboard.

While some on social media drew parallels with images from Gaza, Zara maintained that the campaign aimed to showcase craftmade garments in an artistic context, featuring images of unfinished sculptures in a sculptor’s studio. The company stated that the campaign, promoting Zara’s Atelier line, was conceived in July and photographed in September. Zara expressed regret for any offense caused, emphasizing that the intention behind the images was misunderstood by some customers.