Zara's controversial campaign

Zara, a globally recognized fashion brand, is facing severe backlash over its recent campaign, “The Jacket,” which has been criticized for its insensitive portrayal of the Palestinian children’s massacre in Gaza.

The hashtag #BoycottZara gained momentum on social media as netizens expressed their disgust at the campaign.

Vanessa Perilman: The Controversial Israeli Head Designer

At the center of the storm is Zara’s Israeli Head Designer, Vanessa Perilman. Known for previous controversies, she faced global outrage for making offensive remarks about Palestinians.

In a private Instagram conversation with model Qaher Harhash from East Jerusalem, Perilman insensitively commented on the education and behavior of Palestinians.

Disconcerting Remarks and a Past Condemnation

Perilman’s comments included statements such as, “Maybe if your people were educated then they wouldn’t blow up the hospitals,” and she went on to criticize Muslim beliefs.

Zara had to issue a condemnation for Perilman’s remarks, stating that they did not align with the company’s core values of respect.

The Return to the Spotlight

Despite the previous controversy, Perilman finds herself in the spotlight once again due to the recent offensive campaign. Zara has been forced to address the global upset caused by “The Jacket” and distance itself from the insensitive portrayal of the Gaza tragedy.

Vanessa Perilman: Designer Profile

Vanessa Perilman, originally from Israel, holds a degree in fashion from Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris.

Specializing in various aspects of design, including wovens, embellishment, draping, patternmaking, and illustration, she manages a team overseeing all design phases.

A Look at Perilman’s Background

Jewish by faith, Perilman has a professional history that includes working with brands like Inditex, Revolve, and Forever21. She is a mother of three, with two boys and a girl.

The controversies surrounding her have not only put Zara under scrutiny but have also reignited discussions about the responsibility of designers in the fashion industry.

In conclusion, Zara’s latest campaign and Vanessa Perilman’s controversial remarks have sparked global outrage, prompting a renewed call to #BoycottZara.

The fashion brand finds itself entangled in a crisis that goes beyond design choices, touching on sensitive geopolitical issues and ethical considerations in the fashion world.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The JKR