The ads, which ran in magazines and on outdoor poster sites, depicted an embracing couple, both of whom were topless from the waist up.
The man was holding a bottle of perfume in one hand which, together with the CK logo, partially obscured the woman's breast. The Association of Orthodox Jewish Educational Institutions, among others, objected to the poster ads on the grounds that they were sexually explicit.
They also pointed out that the ad was unsuitable for children, yet was widely visible in its outdoors locations.
In defence, the advertisers argued that the ad was tastefully photographed, and was not therefore sexually explicit.
Calvin Klein said that such sexual images were commonplace in perfume advertising, and believed that the ad reflected the glamour and sensuality of the Calvin Klein brand.
It pointed out that its target audience was adult, and not children, and it had received no direct complaints from the public about the posters.
The ASA considered that the ad was sexually suggestive, was likely to cause serious or widespread offence and was not suitable to be seen by children. The ASA advised the advertisers to avoid a similar approach on future posters, and noted that the ad was no longer appearing.
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .