Mumbai, August 20: Did Zara cross the line with its latest children's t-shirt? Zara, the popular Spanish clothing brand, recently faced a wave of backlash after releasing a t-shirt for young girls that many found "sexually suggestive." The white shirt, adorned with phrases like "The Perfect Snack" and "Take a bite," sparked outrage among parents and social media users alike. As the debate over the appropriateness of the design heated up, Zara was forced to respond, leaving many to question how such a garment made it to store shelves.

The controversy began when Laura Wilson, a 32-year-old mother from London, posted a video on TikTok after encountering the t-shirt in Zara's girls' section at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent. In her video, Wilson expressed her shock and concern, pointing out that the term "snack" is often used as slang to describe a sexually attractive person. She questioned the appropriateness of the t-shirt's language for young children, stating that she would never allow her daughters to wear something so suggestive. Wilson's post quickly went viral, with many viewers agreeing that the t-shirt was inappropriate for children. Zara Boycott: People Allegedly Throw Branded Clothes in Front of Company Outlet in United States as Fashion Brand Faces Outrage Over Controversial Ad Campaign (Watch Videos).

As the video gained traction, the outcry on social media grew louder, with numerous users criticizing Zara for the t-shirt's design. Many felt that the combination of phrases like "The Perfect Snack" and "Take a bite" alongside the image of a strawberry was suggestive and inappropriate for children's clothing. According to a report by NDTV, the backlash prompted widespread discussions about the responsibilities of fashion brands in ensuring that their designs are suitable for all age groups. While some people defended the t-shirt as harmless, the majority sided with Wilson, calling the design "vile" and "grim." Zara's 'The Jacket' Campaign Faces Severe Backlash Online Over Its Controversial Resemblance to Gaza Genocide and Destruction.

In response to the growing criticism, Zara apologised and swiftly removed the t-shirt from their stores and website, reported the New York Post. The brand explained that there was no intention to imply anything inappropriate with the word "snack," stating that it was meant in its traditional sense, as evidenced by the image of a strawberry on the garment. However, Zara acknowledged that some individuals interpreted the term differently and expressed regret for any misunderstanding or offence caused.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2024 07:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).