Fashion Exam Question- (15 marks)

Just because a major fashion magazine labels something as celebrating individuality does not automatically make it so. Discuss.

Image from People.com

*Deep breath*

Vogue. There are too many opportunities and resources available to allow you to get it right for you to get it wrong. You should be leading the fashion pack but instead you insist on sticking to the beauty standards of yesteryear and now you are lagging behind. To add insult to injury you even have to gall to subtitle the cover, “No norm is the new norm” which is laughably ironic really because all I see on that cover is the old norm. If you’re going to make a point then MAKE A POINT.

Which beauty standards of yesteryear? Well Vogue, I’m glad you asked. Welcome to class, take a seat, makes notes, and no talking at the back.

1. Non white is alright- as long as it’s not too far from white.

You get marks for using models of varying ethnicities, that’s great and certainly a positive. But where are the darker skinned black models? I’m not suggesting for a moment that you shouldn’t have booked Imaan Hammam and Adwoa Aboah but like I said before- if you’re going to make a point then make a point. Leomie Anderson and Ajak Deng are two black models with dark skin and there are many others that you could have booked to really send your message home but no- you played a standard hand and the overall effect was lukewarm rather than scorching hot.

     2. Black is more slimming for curvy figures

Six of your models have fantastically jazzy pants but Ashley? Vogue didn’t know they could get great plus size swim shorts from Monif C and didn’t try to find out, so Ashley had to be the odd one out and wear standard black shorts because you know, it’s all about inclusivity. If the shorts are all from the same designer couldn’t you have gotten some custom made?  It reminds me of the time Harpers Bazaar put Gabourey Sidibe in old house leggings and Payless shoes. Next time Vogue, just email me and I’ll give you the heads up.

Image from Vogue.com

  3. Pose in a flattering way

All the other models have their hands at each other’s waists but not Ashley. Her arm is strategically placed along her thigh in a position that I believe was probably suggested so that her thigh didn’t seem as big in comparison to everyone else’s. Ashley has apparently refuted this on Insta, saying that she chose to put her hand down her thigh which of course is entirely possible but I’m unconvinced because we have seen it so often before.

I see the cover as more of a gesture than anything groundbreaking which is a shame. You had a chance to truly illuminate the fashionsphere but instead you’ve just shone a humble glow. Vogue- you are a big enough powerhouse to be able to set the standard and have others follow rather than take these tentative steps in the right direction and hope you’re doing it right. Even presidents have advisors so if you’re not sure you’d better ask somebody.  If you want to celebrate individuality then do so with boldness. Book models of different heights, widely varying skin tones, different abilities and OWN IT. The next time you make a fierce statement make sure your cover photo backs it up, and If you need some help, call me.