Demna Gvasalia, the Georgian-born fashion designer and Creative Director of the Spanish high-fashion giant Balenciaga, has publicly apologized after the massive backlash the brand’s latest fashion campaign received, with accusations that it supported child abuse.
The campaign, which starred children along with materials that people found to be inappropriate, has caused a firestorm across the world, with huge backlash on the brand and even vandalization, with one store in the Middle East pulling all Balenciaga products as a result.
Balenciaga filed a lawsuit against its ad agency, which failed to stop criticism of the brand.
“Personal Message: I want to personally apologize for the wrong artistic choice of concept for the gifting campaign with kids and I take my responsibility,” wrote Demna on Instagram. “It was inappropriate to have kids promote objects that had nothing to do with them.”
“As much as I would sometimes like to provoke a thought through my work, I would NEVER have an intention to do that with such an awful subject as child abuse that I condemn. Period,” the statement continues.
“I need to learn from this, listen, and engage with child protection organizations to know how I can contribute and help on this terrible subject.”
“I apologize to anyone offended by the visuals and Balenciaga has guaranteed that adequate measures will be taken not only to avoid similar mistakes in the future but also to take accountability in protecting child welfare in every way we can. Sincerely, Demna,” the statement concluded.
Whether people will accept the apology remains to be seen. The brand has also been criticized in recent months for its embrace and subsequent distancing from the much-maligned Kanye West.