Miu Miu AW15 campaign has been banned

It happened again: the British Advertising Standards Authority has banned a few pics of Miu Miu’s autumn-winter 2015 campaign. The reason is apparent sexualization of a model that seems underage. She seems, in fact, because the protagonist of the shot is actually Mia Goth, who is 22 years old and is Nymphomaniac ‘s famous actress.

The scandal broke after the article appeared on Vogue UK, the ASA banned photos because the model has a lascivious pose, wearing clothes bigger than her size and has a make up too light, which makes suspect that she less than 16 years.

On the other hand, Miu Miu tried to defend herself justifying the appearance with a sophisticated dress and nude look, that has not shaken the readers, as ruled by Vogue. But despite that the complaint has come to an end and the photos deleted, when it comes to the sexualization of children no one wants to get involved. But if we were to be picky it could point out that in the promotional posters of the film Nymphomaniac Mia appeared topless and in libido, and no one complained, even though they were posted on the walls of the cities. Just ban production outrageous, but you need some consistency.

We must say that Miu Miu is no stranger to problems with the ASA, in 2011 the advertising campaign with the 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld sitting on the tracks had been canceled because "depicting a minor in danger" and could offend the sensibilities of crowds. Too easy to refer also to the production of banned American Apparel, depicting students in sexy school uniforms.

In fashion, sexualization of younger is a hot topic, the line between the use of too young models and their eroticism is very thin. Is sexist society guilt? Maybe so it trivializes the issue, because some productions, considered of high level, may have dual interpretations. So would it be fair to put an age limit? We know that modeling agencies are chasing young faces, but that, however, must be preserved as a world too big for them. This gives rise to a number of important initiatives, such as Coco Rocha with Model Alliance, agency deputy to the defense of the rights of the models under 16.

Even Carine Roitfeld, when she was at the helm of French Vogue, has had to struggle with this issue. In 2010 she authorized the publication of some photos that showed Thylane Lena-Rose Blondeau (who was then nine years) in sexy poses and skimpy outfits, from there on charges of child pornography and the abandonment of office. A fact that has stirred the conscience and focused the problem, even worldwide.

The protection of children in the context of fashion should be the prerogative of each brand, and it is right that the ASA is acting in this way. On the issue Miu Miu our judgment is suspended, appearances give reason to those who report the photos, but the essence is different.

The objectivity of some choices is impossible.