Vogue Italia and Gigi Hadid found themselves in hot water this week when an image used for the cover of the magazine appeared to have Hadid heavily edited to give her darker skin. The backlash was pretty much immediate.

Hadid apologized in an Instagram post, but also clarified that she as a model has no power in terms of the image. Please know that things would have been different if my control of the situation was different,” Hadid wrote. “Regardless, I want to apologize because my intention is never to diminish those concerns or take opportunities away from anyone else.”

Some fans pointed out that it’s not up to Hadid to apologize, but rather Vogue, as it’s the company the hired the photographer, Steven Klein, who is popular for this specific work.

Vogue Italia said that Klein’s intention was to create a beachwear story with a highly stylized bronzing effect. “Throughout it’s history, Vogue Italia has respected and encouraged the creative viewpoints of commissioned photographers,” Vogue Italia told the Associated Press.“We sincerely apologize if we have caused any offense.”

A similar backlash happened when Hadid wore an afro wig for Vogue Italia back in 2015. It’s a little surprising that a publication would get that much backlash with a specific model’s image and not take that into account during a shoot only a few years later, but here we are.

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock our articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated