This story broke right before fashion week and I haven’t had a second to discuss it. Actually I probably shouldn’t discuss it since I contribute to ELLE India. BUT I am curious to hear what you all think. Without editorialzing the story is this (from the SAJA Forum):
“A fashion spread in the latest Vogue India, in which poor, nameless Indians sport $10,000 handbags and $100 bibs, has catalyzed a profound reaction in the press and blogosphere. What is the acceptability, many are asking, of employing such jarring images, un-ironically, for the sake of commerce?”
This is a quote from Vogue India’s editor-in-chief Priya Tanna:
“Lighten up…Vogue is about realizing the ‘power of fashion’ and the shoot was saying that “fashion is no longer a rich man’s privilege. Anyone can carry it off and make it look beautiful. You have to remember with fashion, you can’t take it that seriously. We weren’t trying to make a political statement or save the world.”
And lastly, a picture from the spread:
Thoughts?
I tend to lean towards Vogue’s editor-in-chief’s statement.
The imagery is not flaunting riches in the face of poverty…
but rather tastefully placing an expensive product in a place where it is not usually found. I get the feeling the “family” is enjoying the moment.
And not being patronized. The juxtaposition is what draws people in.
It is what makes people interact with the advertisement. Otherwise… it becomes a page turner which ultimately becomes ineffective.