While the majority of Bulgarians I've met seem to have well developed prejudices themselves, I reckon this advert, if the reportage above is correct, is not only in bad taste but shows how out of touch the Saatchi crew must be with what's happening in Europe these days. How about sending them some samples of finely stitched Bulgarian lingerie? Or, Bulgarian men could choose to take the comment about their fingers being like salamis as a compiment. Imagine what other parts of their physical equipment must resemble if measured on the same scale...

Even as a joke I found the advert offensive - and I think the Bulgarian government should make a formal complaint (and I am British). I fear this will not enhance Anglo (or other English speaking) Bulgarian relations. This is important as many Brits/Irish like Bulgaria for their holidays and are investors here. The Australians don't have to worry so much -they are the other side of the world.

I live and work in Plovdiv, my wife is Bulgarian and my children are half-breeds. This does not stop me from saying that the racist, chauvinist Bulgarians get exactly what they deserve.

At first place We simply can't take an advice of a man with Italian sounded name!!! It is a time for cyber and telephone communication with the this company: Phone:+61 2 9327 6470, service@herringbone.com.au p: +61 2 9212 2911 Head Office, Level 6, 2-12 Foveaux St,Surry Hills NSW 2010 Email: service@herringbone.com.au PR Contact Amanda Lee Telephone: +612 9212 2911

Fine Bulgarian textiles were around before Herringbone On December 18 the Herald published a funny advertisement advising readers to "never buy a shirt made by a Bulgarian", and further stating that "Bulgarians are not known for their tailoring abilities". This type of advertising may offend some Australians, because it relies on ignorance. Those who contacted the Bulgarian embassy to express their indignation certainly know that for centuries, well before advertising companies existed, not to mention a clothes manufacturer called Herringbone, Bulgarian manufacturers had produced and exported wool, linen, cotton and natural silk materials and clothes of the finest quality. Towns such as Sliven, Gabrovo and Sevlievo were renowned international textile markets at the time Captain Cook approached the Australian beaches. Bulgaria is now quickly recovering from decades of communism and, as a member of the European Union, has met the challenges of the most competitive markets, fashion design included. Fashion manufacturers in Bulgaria have satisfied the standards of the world's most exquisite designer brands as well as new, native brands. I do not feel personally offended by the advertisement, because I proudly wear some of these products. And looking at my own long and fine fingers, I do not feel offended either at the claim that Bulgarians "typically have fingers like large salamis". However, I would refrain from making such comments about the bodies of other nationalities. Because choice is the real freedom of a market economy, I am confident that Australians are not going to miss out on high-quality fashion, whatever negative advertising might appear in the media. These are my personal views and not necessarily those of the embassy. Katina Novkova Attache, embassy of Bulgaria, O'Malley (ACT)

Magnus, you are a pathetic ignoramus. Speaking as a proud Australian women, I would not blame your wife if she left you in a ditch choking on your testicles for that totally gutless comment.

i tell you that my dears , when my grandfather and his grandfather and his grand father have tailored clothes , the "australians" have been hunting with boomerangs for daily food . i wonder why don't they play games on Iran ? Sure why not , but before that they have definitely to build bomb shelters for you know , don't mess with those who act before they think . Now on the other hand why not involve a small and unknown country like Bulgaria ....anyway , they are so far away down under , in another galaxy , that i feel almost bad for them ....

Hello! I heard from friends about this stupied spot which won some kind of award in France (probably for the stuipedest advertising ever?!). I am really wondering how fulsome, tasteless and tawdry this advertising and the people which invented it should be! Its disgusting!!!!!!! Your company will be taken to court for this spot!!!!!! Keep your cloths and dress the kenguroos and the aborigines with it!! ... if they want to be dressed that tasteless and cheap of course!!! With no regards, Konstantin Ninov, BULGARIA!