The big scandal of balenciaga : Children with sado-maso toys

By Doha Zouhair

The brand is at the center of an unprecedented controversy. Is this the end of the huge hype around Balenciaga?

Balenciaga is known for pushing the boundaries of good taste with controversial collections. Provocation is the sinews of war and until now, people seemed to rather like it. It is currently one of the most coveted luxury brands in the world. But the latest advertising campaign goes too far and Balenciaga wants to clear itself.
On November 16, the images of the « Gift shop » campaign are unveiled. It features children, including little girls, posing with teddy bear backpacks fitted with leather harnesses and collars in a BDSM style.

The brand is quickly accused of child pornography and child sexualization.

But that’s not all. Internet users have also noted that in a photo from the spring-summer 2023 collection, a bag in collaboration with Adidas is placed in an office setting on documents on which are printed extracts from a decision of the American Supreme Court on the child pornography. The controversy swells, some see it as a malicious snub to child protection.

-On Monday, November 28, Balenciaga officials spoke for the first time: « We strongly condemn child abuse: it was never our intention to include it in our narrative. » For this second incident, the brand takes “full responsibility for the lack of monitoring and control”, but the officials also indicate that they have “filed a complaint” for “the inclusion of these non-validated documents, the result of irresponsible negligence”. Indeed, the blame is placed on the others, that is to say the production house North six and the decorator Nicholas Des Jardins. Balenciaga is asking for $25 million in damages.