Bulgarian magazine 12 promoted a recent Vail Germanov beauty spread depicting models with black eye, acid burns, slit mouth and throat .

The graphic magazine spread caused an international uproar with many accusing the magazine of sensationalizing violence towards women.

Editors-in-chief Huben Hubenov and Slav Anastsov of 12 magazine responded to criticism in a e-mail to Fashionista.
"We would like to say we are happy that our shoot provoked an international discussion, at some scale." adding "we do Not support violence of ANY kind, and this is NOT a shooting glamorizing, or encouraging, or supporting violence against women."

However, the editors of 12 magazine defended their artistic freedom stating "We believe the images such as ours can be seen from various angles, and we think that exactly that is what is beautiful about fashion and photography in general."

Apparently, 12 magazine view the Vasil Germanov spread as artistic stating "Where some see a brutal wound, other see a skillful work of an artist, or an exquisite face of a beautiful girl."

Did Bulgarian 12 magazine cross the line?