Vogue will publish a limited edition of its latest February issue featuring a new photo of Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris after the original cover image received widespread backlash for being disrespectful to the Vice-President.
Critics slammed the previously released hard-copy of February of Harris as poorly edited and designed, diminishing Harris’s achievements as the first back and Indian decent woman to be elected a the Vice President. While social media users said Harris looked ‘whitewashed’, asking if they have lightened her skin colour. Harris wears a blazer, jeans and sneakers.
Following the backlash, Vogue on Tuesday announced it would release some copies with a more formal portrait of Harris wearing a powder blue Michael Kors pantsuit. That image had been used for the digital cover.
A spokesperson for Vogue said, "In recognition of the enormous interest in the digital cover, and celebration of this historic moment, we will be publishing a limited number of special edition inaugural issues.”
Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour defended the original image after it circulated online earlier this month, saying they understood people’s reaction and it was not the magazine's intention to “diminish the importance of the vice president-elect’s incredible victory, “ said the editor.
The Washington Post, fashion critic Robin Givhan said Vogue has robbed Harris ‘of her roses’ and did not give Harris "due respect."
Both photos were taken by American photographer Tyler Mitchell, who in 2018 became the first Black photographer to shoot a Vogue cover with his portraits of music icon Beyonce.
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Harris did not publicly react to the photos but sources close to her told US media that she was surprised by the choice of the more relaxed photo.
Wintour, who found herself under pressure after the controversy and apologized for not giving enough scope to Black stylists and photographers in the magazine.
Wintour said she took "full responsibility for publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant."