"The uglier, the better, these days": Calvin Klein's 'woke' advertisement leaves netizens outraged

Modified May 23, 2023 02:18 GMT

Internet users upset over Calvin Klein "woke" collection (Image via YouTube/@Calvin Klein)

Right-wing conservatives are upset with fashion giant Calvin Klein for their recent pride collection that is currently being sold in the European market. British influencer Oil London shared a tweet comparing the brand's iconic 1992 topless advertisement with a recent photoshoot image of a model wearing a "Double Layer Mesh Tank Top."

According to London, the "pre-woke" shoot with Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg, is a better advertisement than the "woke" design featuring a bulkier model wearing a pink mesh tank top. Notably, Moss admitted that she felt "vulnerable and scared," on the day of the shoot, and felt "completely" objectified.

However, many Twitterati seemed to be of the opinion that the recent design is a setback and an "ugly" downgrade.

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @eleanorzjames)

Calvin Klein Pride collection leaves netizens fuming

Internet users were quick to criticize the new Calvin Klein collection. They called it tasteless and garbage, with many even mocking the model. Twitterati was of the opinion that the brand should be permanently blacklisted and some even added that they are ruining what they took decades to build.

One users @FRZFLX commented:

"Can we go back in time?"

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @FRZFLX)

Here are some other comments seen on Twitter criticizing Calvin Klein:

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @Drowlord101)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @LucyRiles)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @zahiraoffcial_)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @DirectorPHARB)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @christinaskinn5)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @harry6969snake)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @xyu3xy)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @Dr.MAsque)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @keopolis26)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @snarky777)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @quantHillbilly)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @ScottBuxhanan)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @Whatabout4433)

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Twitter/ @suzysasha)

What is Calvin Klein's 2023 Pride Collection?

Back in February 2023, the brand launched its "This Is Love" Pride collection in Australia, in honor of Sydney WorldPride. The capsule was designed by First Nations artist, Jake Simon. (First Nations refer to the indigenous people of Australia who resided in the continent thousands of years prior to its colonization).

As part of its designs, many of Calvin Klein's signature underwear, and apparel were revamped with vibrant colors, and underfit wear, including tanktops, were updated with signature limited edition colors.

Talking about the collection, Jake stated:

"Being a proud gay man, the colors and meaning behind the palette really resonate with me. The motif of joining circles represents community, while arrow shapes are both journey and warrior."

Calvin Klein is yet to respond to the backlash from internet users.

About the author

Nirali has been a popular culture writer at Sportskeeda for the past 1.5 years, covering celebrity/influencer trends and profile/histories, political news, crime reports, and lifestyle. She completed her Bachelor's in Architecture from University of Mumbai and Masters in Heritage Conservation from University of Southern California. Professionally, Nirali has a strong 7.5-year experience working as an architect, an Assistant Archivist and a Digital Archivist across three companies.

Nirali’s educational qualifications and unique career trajectory put great emphasis on research and writing, which along with her personal interest in popular culture, led her to the current role at Sportskeeda. Her specialties are researching histories, crime stories, and developing general knowledge pieces.

The most crucial step in Nirali’s reporting is rigorous fact-checking, and she relies on information from primary sources only for her news. In the absence of a primary source, Nirali double, and even triple-checks information from multiple sources before presenting them to her readers. Strictly anti-AI, she believes in giving credits wherever necessary.

Nirali’s favorite celebrities are Mark Ruffalo and Dolly Parton, and she admires them for their support of humanity and advocacy for what is right. An avid reader, Nirali can be found nose-deep in a new book when she is away from her keyboard. Nirali also loves to illustrate in her free time.

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Edited by Upasya Bhowal