Jan 27 2011
Advertising Gone too Far?
Most people have probably heard of the name Dolce and Gabbana before but lately this company has come under controversy for their advertising posters and campaigns. Dolce and Gabbana are two Italian designers that have created a fashion empire and have used advertisement campaigns to promote their brand. In the fashion world, it is not uncommon to “push the envelope” but some think their advertisements have gone too far. 
According to Sarah Stefanson, a blogger on the Models and Moguls website, critics have interpreted some of the advertisements as “depictions of gang rape, violence and even necrophilia.” Perhaps the most controversial ad of all though is one of a man holding down a women by the wrists while other men are standing around, signifying gang rape. While Dolce and Gabbana defended the ad saying it was just artistic expression and had nothing to do with real life, they eventually felt pressure from the government and the public to pull it.
However, while there are many critics, Dolce and Gabbana do have some supporters. Kevin O’Malley, the vice president and publisher of Esquire magazine that ran the gang rape ad at the time, defended the company’s right to artistic expression. With famous supporters like Madonna, Angelina Jolie, and Kylie Minogue, the brand clearly doesn’t need all the controversy. The question is, does it help though? Also, do you think the advertisements are simply an expression of their art or have they gone too far?