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Monday, October 29, 2007
ZARA Swastika Bags - Design Blooper?
Zara, the Spanish fashion chain that will soon open in Australia, was forced to withdraw their new embroidered handbags (UK £39, AU $100) as complaints rolled in from customers regarding the swastika symbols that were included on the design. The bags were supplied by an Indian manufacturer and to the Hindu, the symbol is favourable as it is one of good luck and fortune. It is also prominent in countries such as China and Japan where it was used on ornaments and temples throughout time because of its symbolism. The Western world though have an associated stigma to the symbol since the Nazis adopted it in 1920 and the Brits were having none of it so, Zara very wisely removed the bags from their stores before the controversy got out of control. Zara apparently had approved designs that didn't include the swastika symbol. Designers must always be careful when dealing with foreign manufacturers as mistakes can be embarassing and costly.