Vogue's March 2017 issue is riddled with problems that begin (but certainly don't end) with the controversial photoshop job on the issue's cover, which sees plus-sized models slimmed down. Flip to the middle of the glossy and find Karlie Kloss, of near aryan perfection, decked out in a big ol' kimono. Nice, Vogue--and this, for the magazine's Diversity Issue?
As many have already pointed, the spread is hugely problematic and a glaring example of the fashion industry's casual racism by way of repeated cultural appropriation. (The images in discussion can be viewed, here).
In response to the criticism, Kloss issued an apology stating, "These images appropriate a culture that is not my own and I am truly sorry for participating in a shoot that was not culturally sensitive. My goal is, and always will be, to empower and inspire women. I will ensure my future shoots and projects reflect that mission."
This isn't the first time the 24-year-old model has been called out for cultural appropriation. In 2012, Kloss walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show wearing a Native American-inspired headdress complete with high-heel moccasins and fringed leather pra and panties. After the look was removed from the CBS broadcast, Kloss tweeted, "I am deeply sorry if what I wore during the VS Show offended anyone. I support VS's decision to remove the outfit from the broadcast."
Here's an idea: let's stop apologizing for being terrible and just not be terrible in the first place, right?
