Analysis of Racism Advert

ASA Adjudication on Model Advice Ltd

Sector: Employment

Ad

In 14 August 2013 a promotional e-mail, for Model Advice was banned by the ASA.

 It had the subject title "Don't miss out on Modelling Opportunities". Text in the body of the e-mail stated "We're updating our mailing list ready for spring … in preparation for castings and modelling opportunities that are coming through Model Advice! Simply fill out the form here to be kept up to date with the latest castings, opportunities and advice … Find out the 10 models who were selected to walk the catwalk for High Street Fashion Week on our Facebook!”

Issue

Clive Hurst challenged whether the ad misleadingly implied Model Advice were an employment agency that found work directly for its clients, via castings and modelling opportunities.

 Action

The assessment was upheld and the ASA decided that the ad should not appear again in its current form. They told Model Advice to ensure their future advertising did not misleadingly imply opportunities for paid work were available through them if that was not the case.

ASA Adjudication on Prada Retail UK Ltd

Sector: Clothing

Ad

In 13 April 2011 a national press ad, in the Times, for Miu Miu featured the model Kasia Struss sitting on a chair in front of a mirror, holding a handbag in her lap, and wearing a low-cut, sleeveless dress which exposed her arms, shoulders and décolletage.

Two complainants were made which challenged whether the ad was irresponsible, because they believed the model looked significantly underweight.

Action

The assessment was not upheld because they considered that the ad was typical of those used for fashion products and that the model did not look significantly underweight. The ASA noted that the model in the ad was slim, and that the lighting effects, make-up and low-cut dress emphasised her body shape.

ASA Adjudication on French Connection (London) Ltd

Media: Internet (on own site), Internet (sales promotion)

Sector: Clothing

Ad

In 27 February 2013 the "Sale dresses" page of the website www.frenchconnection.com, visited on 5 December 2012, offered a product called "SPOTLIGHT DRESS" at £120, reduced from £125.

The complainant, who believed that the dress had never been sold at £125, challenged whether the reference to that price was misleading and could be substantiated.

Action

The assessment was upheld.

The ASA decided that the claim should not appear again in its current form.  French Connection should take care when advertising sale prices to ensure that the basis of the price comparison being made was clear.