Figleaves underwear advert sparks complaints

A poster advert for a lingerie company featuring a woman in bra, knickers, stockings and stiletto shoes has prompted complaints it was "offensive" and unsuitable for display where it might be seen by children.

Figleaves said it presented its products "in the utmost of good taste" and did not believe the advert was "offensive or salacious in any way".

The underwear company added that it did not appear within 100 metres of a school and believed there was "no question" of who the poster was aimed at.

It also said it did not think the advert had caused widespread or serious offence because it had attracted just five complaints.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) did not uphold the complainants' objections and said no further action was necessary.

"We noted the complainants' concerns that the ad was overtly sexual but we noted also that the ad did not show any nudity and that the image used was relevant to Figleaves.

"We understood that the ad may not appeal to everyone. However, we considered that, given the context, which was for underwear, the ad was not overtly sexual and therefore, it was unlikely to cause serious or widespread offence to those who saw it."

PA