Anna Wintour has addressed public reactions over the choice of photo for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris's first Vogue cover.
Speaking to the New York Times, the long-time Vogue editor-in-chief said that any offence caused by the unusually casual image, which features Harris wearing a pair of Converse sneakers, was unintentional. The cover drew criticism from some who believed it did not show Harris the respect she deserves.
“Obviously we have heard and understood the reaction to the print cover and I just want to reiterate that it was absolutely not our intention to, in any way, diminish the importance of the Vice President-elect’s incredible victory.”
Wintour also denied claims made by journalist Yashar Ali that Harris’s team had “expected” and “agreed to” a more formal cover image, one featuring Harris against a gold backdrop, dressed in a powder-blue suit. This photo was instead selected to be the issue's digital cover.
In a statement to The Guardian, the fashion magazine said: “Vogue selected the image for the print cover that we felt captured her [Harris's] optimism, personality and authenticity. Obviously, we love both images and are celebrating both covers digitally.”
When the print cover image, taken by photographer Tyler Mitchell, was leaked last weekend, the response was immediately mixed - building on frustration among readers that the magazine has a problem lighting and photographing black women.
"SMH [shaking my head]," award-winning author Roxane Gay tweeted.
Writer Louise Mensch added: "Is it racism or simply misogyny that made you break your promise and use the worse photo of strikingly beautiful Kamala Harris? We all see you."
Mitchell, who rose to public attention when he was hand selected by Beyoncé to shoot her own Vogue cover, chose to share the digital cover on his socials.
Cover aside, Harris has used the opportunity to reflect on her address to the nation in November.
“It was very important for me to speak to the moment, and the moment includes understanding that there is a great responsibility that comes with being a first,” Harris told writer Alexis Okeowo.
“I always say this: I may be the first to do many things - make sure I’m not the last. I was thinking of my baby nieces, who will only know one world where a woman is vice president of the United States, a woman of colour, a Black woman, a woman with parents who were born outside of the United States.”
