When In Rome, Don't Get Offended

When Tom Ford's finger biting ad was banned in Italy last week, I must admit I was shocked. Not because I didn't think the ad was overtly suggestive, but because it is no more suggestive and/or offensive than other ads and editorial spreads published in recent Italian media. Am I missing something?

Where exactly is the line drawn in the sand? When does evocative become exploitative and sensual become suggestive? And how will we know that what we're looking at no longer possesses any editorial value, but instead is simply a culmination of twisted fantasies conjured up by the advertising director and/or the person behind the lense? (Yes, sex definitely sells. But can somebody please remind me what I'm supposed to be buying?)