The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today revised its ruling on the Calvin Klein advert featuring artist FKA Twigs. The independent British regulator says that after careful consideration, the organization has concluded that the image is not “sexually explicit” is, as it was previously said.
The advert in question was described by the ASA in January 2024 as “potentially offensive” and an example of “objectification of women”. The picture shows British artist FKA Twigs topless in an open denim blouse. Part of her buttocks and her right breast can be seen.
Almost immediately after the ban was imposed, there was anger on social media. The British regulator has even been accused of racism. FKA Twigs herself also reacted to the ban. In an Instagram post, she wrote: “I don’t see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that I’m labeled as. I see a beautiful, strong woman of color whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine. When I look at other campaigns of this kind, past and present, I can’t help but feel that there are double standards here.”
The British regulator took the matter seriously. In a statement, she wrote that she had examined the reasons for the January decision. However, the British regulator cannot assess whether racism played a role, as many reactions on social media suggested. However, the ASA remains open to dialogue. “We are really interested in what people think and have to say. And we are not afraid to question our own thinking and correct our decisions when we think we are wrong.”
The Consumer Protection Agency is revising its earlier claim that the image was “sexually explicit.” The regulator now sees the ad as a model who is sexual but “confident and controlled” and therefore does not represent a “sexual object” as previously claimed. However, she maintains her decision that FKA Twigs’ image is not suitable for public display.
This post previously appeared on FashionUnited.nl