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What has Calvin Klein done to upset the Australian market?

The global brand has fielded criticism around its latest campaign featuring international ambassadors Justin Bieber and Lara Stone.

The campaign was visible in outdoor, print and digital platforms with complaints relating to transit advertising in Kensington and Town Hall.

The case was put before the Australian Advertising Standards Board.

One complainant alleged the advertisement was "deeply offensive" and placed Stone in a vulnerable position.

"When are we going to show our young women that they can be regarded as more than submissive playthings for men? Also, we need to teach young men the same otherwise how can it begin to change."

Calvin Klein representatives defended the campaign, adding it did not breach codes around sexuality, nudity, violence, language and safety.

"We take reasonable steps with media placement to ensure these images are not near churches or schools," a statement to the Board read.

"We understand that in this respect, the train station services the broader community which includes the retail precinct which includes our Calvin Klein Underwear store and does include nearby schools.

"This is also the second busiest train station in Sydney and thus a prime target for our consumer of 18 - 39 years."

The Board agreed and cleared the brand of any wrongdoing.

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