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Zara was asked to remove two advertisements from its U.K. website after the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) deemed the featured models “unhealthily thin”
The fashion retailer issued a statement in response to the controversy, stressing the brand’s commitment to “responsible content”
The models featured in the ads were said to have “protruding collarbones” in the respective images, which were a breach of the Committee of Advertising (CAP)’s standards
Zara is responding to being asked to remove advertisements featuring “unhealthily thin” models.
On Wednesday, Aug. 6, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) — the United Kingdom’s independent advertising regulator — requested that the fashion retailer take down two ads for a dress and an oversized shirt that were said to be in breach of industry standards.
While two Zara ads were asked to be removed, a total of four ads were flagged by a member of the public who thought the models in the images were too thin, ASA Media and Public Relations Manager Matthew Wilson told USA Today.
On Monday, Aug. 11, Zara responded to the controversy surrounding the ad removals. The fashion retailer also noted their commitment to “responsible content” and following “stringent guidelines” involving models in a statement shared with PEOPLE.
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Image of a shopper carrying a Zara bag
“We note the ASA’s decision following an individual complaint regarding two images on our website, which we removed when the ASA made us aware,” a Zara spokesperson said in the statement.
“We are committed to responsible content and follow stringent guidelines and controls in the selection and photographing of models, as well as in the selection of images,” the statement continued.
Zara also noted that they follow “key recommendations” from the U.K. Model Health Inquiry, which states that models “should provide a medical certificate attesting their good health,” to which the brand confirmed this commitment was “upheld” in this case.
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“We also ensure a healthy backstage environment in line with these recommendations,” per the retailer.
The images that were removed were only available on Zara’s website. As a policy, the fashion brand does not advertise outside of its own platforms and channels.”
The two ads that were taken down from the retailer’s website featured models with “protruding collarbones,” the ASA wrote in its findings.
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Shoppers carrying Zara bags
The ad for ZW Collection Oversized Pocket Shirt in Oyster-White drew attention to the model’s upper chest due to the garment’s low-cut design. This created “a focal point around her collarbone,” per the ASA, which was “protruding.”
In addition, the model’s pose made her arms appear “very slim,” the agency said.
The second ad was for Zara’s Voluminous Combined Short Dress in Ecru (off-white). Per the ASA’s findings, the image drew attention to the model’s “noticeably thin” legs and arm positioning that made her body appear “slightly out of proportion.
Per the ASA, the model’s hair made her head look “slightly gaunt” due to its slick bun style.
According to the agency, Zara claimed that the two models featured in the removed ads “had worked for well-known fashion brands” and provided medical certification proving they were in good health.
The fashion retailer also told ASA that the photos themselves had not been modified, aside from “very minor lighting and coloring edits.”
Zara removed the ads from its website, per the ASA findings. The photos flagged of the Voluminous short dress were also taken down, while the ZW Collection Oversized Pocket Shirt listing was deleted from the U.K. website.
This year marks Zara’s 50th anniversary.
In May, the fashion retailer launched a star-studded campaign in celebration of the milestone, bringing together just as many supermodels for the special occasion.
Read the original article on People
