KUALA LUMPUR – Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh has now come under criticism days after luxury fashion brand Balenciaga announced her as one of its three ambassadors.
In the announcement, Balenciaga said: “Already close with the house, the legendary actress, producer and martial artist of international renown announces with Balenciaga that their relationship will continue to grow in an official capacity.”
Yeoh, on her Instagram, said that she was honoured to be chosen as the new ambassador for the iconic fashion house.
“Wearing Balenciaga makes me value the artistry and craftsmanship behind every piece. The brand embodies a sense of originality and relevance while always remaining true to its heritage as a couture atelier.
“It is an honour to partner with Balenciaga.”
Yeoh is no stranger to wearing the brand’s couture pieces as she donned an emerald green dress for her red-carpet appearances at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
This time, however, her partnership with the brand has not gone down well on social media. Some have questioned her decision to work with a brand that courts controversy, while some were unhappy that she has yet to say anything about the ongoing Israel-Palestine war.
“You’re better than this. Please stay away from this disgusting low-moral brand that abused children. If you didn’t know before, now you know,” read one of the comments in Yeoh’s Instagram post about her ambassador role.
Some shared their compliments about her elegant looks in the campaign, but stopped short at supporting the brand.
Yeoh has been the mainstay of Asian cinema since her debut in Hong Kong in the 1980s, going from action heroine to dramatic lead.
Most recently, she made history when she won a Golden Globe, a SAG Award, and became the first Asian woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for the film Everything Everywhere All At Once.
The other two Balenciaga ambassadors are Thai star PP Krit Amnuaydechkorn and French actress Isabelle Huppert.
Balenciaga was criticised for promoting violence towards children in its Spring/Summer 2022 campaign, which featured a child model with bondage teddy bears and child abuse law papers.
The hashtag #CancelBalenciaga was trending then, forcing the French brand to issue an apology.
Previously, the brand’s official face was Kim Kardashian. – November 13, 2023