Last week we posted about the July issue of Vogue Italia that featured over 100 pages of black models. Interestingly enough, W Magazine has been criticized for their March issue which had a spread called Harlem Days. The interesting thing about the photo shoot was that it featured only white models, which some readers felt wasn’t reflective of the majority of Harlem’s population. Granted Harlem is changing, so a more accurate portrayal of the change might have featured a blend of black, white, Asian and Latino. Lately it seems that everything in relation to Harlem boils down to race or racial perceptions. Then again we always seem to face these types of issues when we look at fashion.
The vision for the shoot was noted as:
Sexy looks that are a good girl-bad girl mix—soft sweaters, short skirts—reflect the early-Sixties style of Room at the Top and A Taste of Honey, transplanted to present-day Harlem in an unexpected twist.
Thoughts? Is this a slap in the face to historic Harlem’s residents or reflective of what is come? Should we even be concerned about this W’s or photographer Craig McDean’s vision of Harlem? See you in the comments section. More photos after the jump.
via: Your Free Press
WestEnder
July 12, 2008
I could care less and do not even read W magazine. But I will check out Italian Vogue strictly for the all black model issue.
spud
July 12, 2008
“Should we even be concerned….”
It’s a photoshoot in a fashion magazine, so I think the answer would be “No.”
Fashion industry staple #4b: blatant cheap attempt at “intrigue” -check!
Hey, the clothes ain’t gonna sell themselves!