‘Treat ignorance as fashion’: China new media firm accused of ‘unforgivable disrespect’ over photos of models perched on altars
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- Firm faces social media censure after apology for cultural blunder fails to quell anger over insensitivity
A new media company in China has been accused of cultural disrespect after it staged a photo shoot in which models were perched upon traditional altars inside an ancestral hall.
The shoot, by the firm CIQI CHINA, which is based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, southeastern China, sparked fury among villagers in Chaoshan and online, according to a report by southcn.com.
It was part of a campaign to showcase Chaoshan culture and was organised around the theme – Shenzhen Fashion Wins Power.
Female models were captured wearing modern attire, including white dresses, suits, jeans, and black vests.
They stood on traditional “Eight Immortals” tables in Chaoshan’s ancestral hall, striking various poses while holding lanterns adorned with Chinese characters.
The tables were also decorated with flowers in vases and lanterns featuring keywords like Shenzhen Fashion Week, Shenzhen Fashion Wins Power and Third Season.