Designer Marc Jacobs has come under fire for exposing both his models and a pack of dogs to extremely high winds during a shoot.
The brand took to Instagram on Tuesday to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the high-fashion ad campaign shot and directed by Paris-based artist Yulya Shadrinsky.
The images on the official Marc Jacobs account show two blonde models battling the fierce wind while walking seven dogs on an unfamiliar beach.
The gusts of wind whip through their hair as they struggle to take even a few steps without falling over.
Designer Marc Jacobs was criticized for showing models wearing platform heels walking dogs on a beach in extremely strong winds
The brand took to Instagram on Tuesday to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the high-fashion ad campaign
The images on the official Marc Jacobs account show two blonde models battling the fierce wind while walking seven dogs on an unidentified beach
One of the models can barely walk on the towering platforms she wears, but she laughs as she uses her free hand to ask for help.
The other blonde grabs her hand to steady her, but she ends up falling into the sand.
'The St. Marc top handle in Limoncello. Shot and directed by @shadrinsky,” the video caption reads.
The video has been viewed more than 587,000 times, but critics were more concerned about the welfare of the models and dogs than the handbag being advertised.
“This is abuse of both dogs and people,” one person responded.
'What is the point of this campaign? Make everyone feel uncomfortable?” someone else asked.
'This is one of the worst advertisements for a handbag I have ever seen. Leave the dogs out of it,” another added.
However, some argued that the dogs were completely comfortable in the windy conditions because of their specific breed.
One of the models can barely walk on the towering platforms she wears, but she laughs as she uses her free hand to ask for help
The other blonde grabs her hand to steady her, but she ends up falling into the sand
The fashion designer is pictured at the Center Gala in May 2023
The video has been viewed more than 587,000 times, but critics were more concerned about the welfare of the models and dogs than the handbag being advertised.
The dogs in question appear to be Afghan hounds, which have long, thick coats to protect them from the harsh climate of the mountainous region they come from.
“Oh and yeah, people love creating drama again OMG. These girls probably had a good laugh and got better [paid] for this job,” one person commented.
'And like any dog, these Afghan hounds love being outside. This is a very old breed and hunting dog from Afghanistan [that] lived and performed under very harsh conditions.
“So I'm pretty sure they can handle this 'abuse' as some call it. WOW, certain people really deserve an Oscar for drama…'
Whether or not the dogs felt comfortable didn't matter to some critics who felt the shoot was “ridiculously unnecessary.”
'Dangerous. The model may have broken her ankles. @shadrinsky and @marcjacobs this is bad practice,” one person pointed out.
Another said: 'It gives America's Next Top Model with their ridiculous antics…'
'This is just pure stupidity. I'm so happy to be out of the fashion show,” someone else shared.
However, Bianka, one of Marc Jacobs' models, defended the shoot amid the backlash, saying there was nothing offensive about it.
“This photoshoot was fun and we had a really nice time and we loved the dogs and the dogs were very happy to play outside,” she wrote. 'Stop feeling miserable and enjoy life, sometimes it's windy and muddy, [but] you can still enjoy it. Peace.'