Dolce & Gabbana adverts "glorify violence", say the ASA

Dolce_2 Images from Dolce & Gabbana's latest advertising campaign (not the image shown here, needless to say!) have been criticised by the Advertising Standards Authority, who say that the campaign glorified violent crime. The photographs in question, which were published last October, depicted models fighting, holding knives, and displaying graphic injuries.

166 complaints were received when the ads ran in The Times and Daily Telegraph: however, no complaints were received when they appeared in publications in China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan and the US. Undeterred, the ASA said the advert in The Times was " likely to cause serious or widespread offence" - mostly because it appeared opposite an article on knife-related crime. Oops. You'll find some images from the campaign in question after the jump. What do you think? Do they make you want to stab someone (Dolce or Gabbana, perhaps?), or are the watchdogs taking it all just a little bit too seriously?

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Ada

These ads are brilliant in their depiction of "killing for fashion". They are obviously very artisticly portrayed as to not create confusion, but alas, some people cannot take a hint.

Amber

Ha! That's exactly what I thought, Selina - sack that sub editor!

I think the images are beautiful - and as QM says, I doubt anyone's going to knife someone and then blame D&G!

Jael

What a load of crap. When I saw (and fell in love with) these ads, my first thought was how nicely the antique painting theme complimented the clothes.

QM

What a load of rubbish! The people who sit and scrutinise adverts like this have got nothing better to with their time obviously. I hardly think your average knife wielding thug is going to state a D&G ad as their inspiration for their violence, nor do I think your run-of-the-mill fashionista will suddenly take up arms and begin a one woman killing spree at her local Topshop! Stupid people.

SelinaC

I *heart* these ads!! I think French Vogue did a similiar spread back in May. They no more glorify violence than something like Die Hard or 24. If it did run opposite a sensitive article then the layout sub is obviously bored and thought it'd be funny or was asleep!