Vogue cover of Kamala Harris prompts criticism

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’s February Vogue cover photo has elicited rounds of criticism online, with many saying the image was not befitting the soon-to-be highest-ranking female politician in the U.S.

The image of the cover released by Vogue on Sunday shows Harris standing in front of a glossy piece of pink fabric and wearing a plain black jacket and Converse sneakers. 

A number of online fans argue that the first woman, African American and Asian American to hold the office of the vice president is worthy of a grander cover.

NBC Washington reported that online commenters also felt the lighting had not been executed correctly for someone with Harris’s complexion.

A second cover photo of Harris showed her dressed in a light-blue suit while standing in a gold-toned room and won more praise than the first.

New York Times writer Wajahat Ali responded to the cover, writing, “What a mess up. Anna Wintour must really not have Black friends and colleagues.”

What a mess up. Anna Wintour must really not have Black friends and colleagues. https://t.co/8oCpEPkltU

— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) January 10, 2021

Wintour has long faced accusations of excluding black cover models and talent from Vogue, referred to by many as the “fashion bible.”

In June 2020, in the midst of the reinvigorated Black Lives Matter protests, Wintour issued an apology for “mistakes” made in failing to elevate Black voices. 

The Associated Press reported that Wintour issued the apology in an internal memo to Vogue staffers, writing, “I want to say plainly that I know Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to Black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators. We have made mistakes too, publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant. I take full responsibility for those mistakes.”

In December, publishing company Conde Nast announced that Wintour would be worldwide chief content officer and global editorial director of Vogue, giving her control over publications in more than 30 markets, The New York Times reported.