We had the same thought when we first wrote about this campaign!
Weeks after the photos were released, an accompanying video has also hit the web, featuring Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, and several other models in Chicago.
The clip has reignited the debate that Gigi and Karlie, at 21 and 23, respectively, are too young to have families and children who look old enough to attend kindergarten.
Some have even called the campaign “Teen Mom: Versace Edition.” Ouch.
But Donatella Versace has heard the criticism and hit back in defense of it, saying:
“My name is Versace├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥I don’t know how to do things quietly. That is just my blood and my family. We make a noise, shout loud, never hold back on our opinions. This is why our campaigns have always been so bold, because my family has always provoked. Life would be so boring if we all did the same thing.”
She also defended Gigi and Karlie but made no mention of their ages in regards to the children they’re supposed to be mothering in the ads:
“Versace is about individuality. It is about believing in yourself and showing your true character to the world. I love Gigi and Karlie because of their amazing strength of character. They are their own women who will not compromise their individuality for anyone. I wanted to create imagery that was all about their brilliant individuality.”
Besides the teen pregnancy angle, the ad has also been criticized for depicting the black baby model in an outfit covered in chains, which some have pointed out has racist undertones:
Her name is Brianna and she is so cute!A photo posted by Donatella Versace (@donatella_versace) on Jun 6, 2016 at 7:07am PDT
What are your thoughts on the matter, Perezcious readers???
[Image via Versace]
