Following the widespread backlash over the original cover of Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris, Vogue magazine is set to make amends by releasing a limited edition of their February issue with a different photo of the historic figure. The initial cover featuring Harris in a casual outfit received heavy criticism for not adequately highlighting her groundbreaking achievement as the first Black woman to hold the position of vice president.
The controversial photo on the hard copy cover, showing Harris in a blazer, jeans, and sneakers, led to allegations of image manipulation and concerns over the lighting and potential skin lightening. Social media erupted with complaints, prompting Vogue to listen to the public outcry and respond with a special version of the issue featuring a more formal portrait of Harris dressed in a Michael Kors pantsuit, similar to the digital cover image.
Anna Wintour, Vogue’s editor-in-chief, stood by the original cover but acknowledged the importance of recognizing the momentous occasion of Harris’s election. The photos, captured by Tyler Mitchell, were deemed too casual by many critics who believed Harris deserved more respect in her portrayal.
While Harris has not publicly commented on the controversy, insiders revealed that the vice president-elect was taken aback by the selection of the less formal image. The situation adds to ongoing criticism of Wintour’s leadership at Vogue, as she faced scrutiny in 2020 for the magazine’s lack of diversity amid the Black Lives Matter movement.
Recognizing the need for change, Wintour issued an apology for the lack of opportunities for Black creatives within the publication and pledged to take responsibility for any harmful content. By releasing a new cover that better captures the significance of Harris’s achievement, Vogue aims to uphold its commitment to addressing criticisms and celebrating diverse voices in the industry.
To learn more about Vogue’s response to criticism and the controversy surrounding Kamala Harris’s cover, check out these related articles: Vanity Fair and NPR.
