From Classy to Nasty: Vogue India’s Controversial Photos Uncovered
September 2, 2008
In Vogue India’s August issue, art directors of a cover spread featured some of the country’s most impoverished people flaunting luxurious accessories by Fendi. One photo (inset) features a mother, hands obviously calloused and overworked, holding her child wearing a $100 Fendi bib - a price tag that’s probably more than twice their monthly salary. A girl, perhaps the woman’s daughter, stands in the background blurred by the camera with a somber look that whispers humiliation.
“As with any other creative pursuit, fashion feeds and thrives on fantasy, aspirations and above all fun,” said Priya Tanna, editor of Vogue India. For Tanna, the project that featured the photos was one “that we are extremely proud of and consider to be one of our most beautiful editorial executions.”
“You have to remember with fashion,” Tanna explained. “You can’t take it that seriously. We weren’t trying to make a political statement or save the world.”
What should be done about these photos? What should be done about Vogue India’s stand on this issue?
AsianWeek would like to create a healthy platform for multicultural discourse on issues that affect our community. As an integral part of the Asian American community, we would like to know how you feel about Vogue India’s August issue. How does this affect our community?
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5 Responses to “From Classy to Nasty: Vogue India’s Controversial Photos Uncovered”
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Good opportunity to train our perception of beauty in reality.
There is no difference from the kids in the US projects wearing insanely priced clothes and what’s in this magazine. It’s not about fashion. It’s about making money for themselves (magazine companies, designers, companies who place ads, etc.). They have already saturated our American culture with this junk now they are aiming for other countries. They’re not selling clothes per se. They’re selling something bigger than that. Something that will for years deepen their pockets. Image. These fashion companies are tempting people’s superficial need to live the “lifestyle.” Through their ads they are saying just that– you can live this lifestyle by wearing expensive clothes. How you get the money to pay for it is your problem, but hey you look great and that’s all what matters. Isn’t it? Focus people. Focus.
hey, this is just advertising, of course it feels bad and stuff but… a company in order to sell has to advertise the best way they feel, this shows how far human creativity and careless mind can go… this will possibly bring several actions, I can think of two.. 1.. people doing whatever it takes to have a better lifestyle (stealing, illegal things and so on) and 2.. more piracy on those countries…
the way I see it it, it was a shot in the dark…..
saludos..
Rod
ok sorry for 2 consecutive comments.. it seems people will have problems understanding about the “piracy” word..
Piracy as in more counterfeit goods…. will become available..
saludos
Rod
disgusting. repulsive. criminal.
will never buy the brands in question in my life.
what else can i say.