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An eccentric Vogue Italia spread called 'Haute Mess' has caused critics to pull the race card again. But is it warranted? The photos feature models dressed in bold clothes, bright weaves with extra long nails and gold teeth. To me, it sounds like something Nicki Minaj would wear. Or Katy Perry. Or Lady Gaga.
But to the folks over at VibeVixen, it the spread – which is in their own words "ghetto fabulous" – is projecting certain stereotypes.
As the writer, Natles, said: "I will give Vogue Italia the benefit of the doubt that it was not their intention to be racist or offend anyone, but let’s keep it real for a minute: How many white girls [or any other ethnic backgrounds for that matter] do you know that dress or look like this? Exactly."
Excuse me? How many women of all cultures and races dress or look like models in any given Vogue spread? Sure, the 'dos are over-the-top, and I think the styling is dreadful, but to call it racist? Ridiculous.
You know what is racist? Galliano's infamous rant, Satoshi Kanazawa's research on beauty and this insult heard at a Virgin Active gym.
This spread? Pffffft. It's just a bunch of models doing what they do best: acting out for the camera whilst wearing zany clothes and sporting even crazier make-up. What's the big deal?
Follow Kele on Twitter.
But to the folks over at VibeVixen, it the spread – which is in their own words "ghetto fabulous" – is projecting certain stereotypes.
As the writer, Natles, said: "I will give Vogue Italia the benefit of the doubt that it was not their intention to be racist or offend anyone, but let’s keep it real for a minute: How many white girls [or any other ethnic backgrounds for that matter] do you know that dress or look like this? Exactly."
Excuse me? How many women of all cultures and races dress or look like models in any given Vogue spread? Sure, the 'dos are over-the-top, and I think the styling is dreadful, but to call it racist? Ridiculous.
You know what is racist? Galliano's infamous rant, Satoshi Kanazawa's research on beauty and this insult heard at a Virgin Active gym.
This spread? Pffffft. It's just a bunch of models doing what they do best: acting out for the camera whilst wearing zany clothes and sporting even crazier make-up. What's the big deal?
Follow Kele on Twitter.
