Vogue diversifying their covers was great news to me, especially since I attended all of Bethann Hardison’s Town Hall Meetings agitating for a more inclusive, diverse fashion industry. I’m elated of the changes taking place as I’ve documented them from the beginning!
What I thought was a celebratory observation was suddenly construed as ‘racist’ by NY Mag commenters, who felt that mentioning race was silly and perpetuated hate.
A few comments:
“How fantastic, such a beautiful cover with diverse interesting faces. So please lets not make this about the colour of their skin! How about just appreciating it for what it is? A multi freaking model cover from US Vogue!!”—Fahra
“Fahra’s right. I hope there won’t be any skin tone issue about this cover. Just welcome the comeback of models on the cover.“–Frigidbardot
“I’m more happy that models are on the cover and not a celeb! I’m also actually annoyed that fashion blogs/site feel the need to point out the fact that someone black is on the cover. It’s on the tone of ” I’m not racist I have black friends” ANNOYING! Seriously as a black women it’s annoying this should be something that becomes quietly apart of our culture that women of all colors are placed on magazines.”-–bastylefilegirl
“Uh … Hasn’t Liya Kebede been on the cover of American Vogue twice before? Why are people making it a big deal? Liya has been in the business forever & has graced the cover of pretty much every major magazine … Stop trying to turn it into a color debate as usual!”-–laz1
I look at the Fashion Bomb the same way you could look at Essence or Latina Magazine. Anyone and everyone is welcome, but there is a multicultural focus. What’s the big deal? I also think that for a long time, so called ‘mainstream’ publications unapologetically lacked color and eschewed diversity. But instead of that being called racist, it’s called normal.
Are ethnic blogs and publications racist? Or are we simply catering to a vibrant yet underserved demographic?
Check the Fashion Bomb original post here.
