If you haven't already heard, Balenciaga has landed itself in some serious hot water recently.
The entire internet seems to agree that the brand's latest campaign featuring children holding teddy bears in harnesses and mesh tops as well as shot of a handbag with a page from a 2008 SCOTUS ruling (United States v. Williams) upholding the promotion or advertisement of child pornography as a federal crime not protected by free speech, has been innaproporiate and disturbing.
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"Twitter users slammed Balenciaga for promoting pedophilia and child abuse/pornography, saying the materials were deliberately included, and that the bears represented BDSM fetishes," Fashion watchdog Diet Prada explained, "Balenciaga quickly issued an apology, stating regret for including the bears in the campaign. They also said they would take 'legal action against the parties responsible for creating the set and including unapproved items,' and that they 'condemn abuse of children in any form.'"
Instagram users have lambasted Kim Kardashian in particular for not speaking out against their recent actions. Kim has worked closely with Balenciaga for several years. She proudly wore the brand to the 2021 Met Gala. After she famously changed up her style as a result of her relationship with Kanye West, she has been a champion of the avant garde Paris based couture brand… up until now that is.
In the past fashion icon has championed Balenciaga, wearing them to the 2021 Met Gala
Last night Kim decided to reply and address the controversy surrounding Balenciaga on her Instagram stories. She said, "I have been quiet for the past few days, not because I haven't been disgusted and outraged by the recent Balenciaga campaigns, but because I wanted an opportunity to speak to their team to understand for myself how this could have happened. As a mother of four, I have been shaken by the disturbing images. The safety of children must be held with the highest regard and any attempts to normalize child abuse of any kind should have no place in our society - period. I appreciate Balenciaga's removal of the campaigns and apology. In speaking with them, I believe they understand the seriousness of the issue and will take the necessary measures for this to never happen again."
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Kim addressed the controversy on her Instagram story
Kim followed up with a second message about her future with Balenciaga
Kim followed up with a second Instagram story which said, "As for my future with Balenciaga, l am currently re-evaluating my relationship with the brand, basing it off their willingness to accept accountability for something that should have never happened to begin with - and the actions I am expecting to see them take to protect children."
Who was Cristóbal Balenciaga?
High-end luxury fashion house Balenciaga was founded in 1919 by the Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga in San Sebastian, Spain. The eponymous designer had a reputation as a couturier of uncompromising standards. The brand relocated to France and opened a boutique store in Paris in 1937 as a result of the Spanish Civil War. Cristóbal was once called "the master of us all" by Christian Dior.
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