This controversial print advertisement for promoting designer handbags was appeared in Vogue magazine in UK. The Advertising Standards Authority received several complaints regarding the advertisement launched by Tanner Krolle. The advertisement has shown a couple indulged in love making probably in a bathroom and another scantily clad woman pointing a camera at the couple. The complainant alleged that the advertisement was sexually provocative and offensive. However, the advertisers expressed their regret over the fact that the campaign had caused offence and said that this was certainly not their intention. It was also argued that the posters were placed on such few locations that were close to schools.
The advertisers in their defense said that the couple in the image were embraced in a clinch, but could not be having sex because the man was wearing trousers. They further contended that sexy images of women, men and couples were common in fashion magazine features and advertising. The advertising watchdog considered that the image was ambiguous. The ASA ruled that because the advertisement was sexually provocative and gratuitous it could cause serious offence to some readers. They decided to ban the advertisement flowing a warning to the advertisers to not to repeat such approach in future.
