Fashion designer Giorgio Armani heavily criticized and accused of diminishing sexual violence against women after claiming that the fashion industry “rapes” women with sex-driven marketing.

Armani, one of the most popular designers in the fashion industry said that it is “time for me to say what I think” before expressing that one “can rape a woman in many ways.”

His choice of words drew the ire of critics who felt it took the effect of sexual abuse too lightly.

He expressed his thoughts as he presented his Emporio Armani line at the Milan fashion week, and said “If a lady walks on the street and sees an ad with a woman with her boobs and arse in plain sight and she wants to be like that too, that’s a way of raping her.”

“You can rape a woman in many ways, either by throwing her in the basement or by suggesting that she dresses in a certain way,” he continued.

Women’s Wear Daily executive editor Booth Moore tweeted, “The exploitation of women in fashion imagery is not a new phenomenon, far from it.”

She believes that Armani only has good intentions and tried his best to be respectful of women in his work, although disagrees his use of the word “rape”.

The designer known for his elegant outfits founded the label in 1975 and since then built a successful global brand.

He continued to make his point by saying, “In my show, there are short skirts, long skirts, ample and tight trousers.”

“I have given maximum freedom to women who can use all possibilities if they are sensible,” he continued.

“I’m sick of hearing the word ‘trend’. We need to try to work for today’s woman. There shouldn’t be trends”

He had stayed loyal to his simply and neutral looks in his autumn / winter 2020 Emporio Armani show, with emphasis on recycled materials, and will present the collection for his main Giorgio Armani line on Sunday.