Dolce and Gabbana controversial ad campaign 'ruined my career', says Chinese model

Model Zuo Ye apologised for her appearance in the campaign. Credit: Dolce and Gabbana/Instagram

The Chinese model featured in a Dolce and Gabbana advert accused of racism has said the campaign almost ruined her career.

Zuo Ye was seen in a red D&G dress, in three videos, struggling to eat pizza, spaghetti and a giant version of a cannoli pastry with Chopsticks.

It was designed to promote the Italian fashion house's campaign "DG Loves China" ahead of a fashion show in Shanghai last November - but faced a huge backlash in China for being racist with several retailers pulling the brand's products.

Ms Zuo said she felt "guilty and ashamed" but asked for understanding.

In a statement on the Chinese social media network Weibo, the model said she had not had time to consider the effect of the ads.

Dolce And Gabbana found itself in hot water in China. Credit: AP

"I will grow from this experience and will better display the character of a Chinese citizen," Ms Zuo wrote in a blog post on Monday.

She said: "Out of respect and trust for the brand, I failed to consider the consequences after the videos were published. I apologise for being inconsiderate and I will take this incident as a lesson.

"I never thought being a model for the brand would have almost ruined my modelling career.

"I will grow from this experience and will better display the character of a Chinese citizen," the model added.

Following the criticism of the ads, the Milan designers cancelled the Shanghai runway show last year, as their guest list of Asian celebrities joined protests.

Many Chinese social media users called the advertisements racist and based on outdated stereotypes.

Co-founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana went on camera to apologise.

The pair appeared in a nearly one-and-a-half-minute video posted on Weibo, saying they hoped to be forgiven and will do their best to better understand and respect Chinese culture.

The advertisement controversy was aggravated by insulting remarks made on the Instagram accounts of both the company and Gabbana against China and Chinese people.

The company blamed hackers for the Instagram comments.