I have been contemplating writing this blog for days. Shock and utter disbelief at the April cover of VOGUE have made me hesitant to write. I have been literally flabbergasted and tossing the idea around that this must be a cruel April fools joke. I have been a loyal reader since the tender age of nine when my older sisters VOGUE collection captivated me and I have never stopped looking. It was a paper portal into an alternate universe of glamour, inspiration, artists and the upper echelon of style. One aspired to be 'those people' or to 'live that life', but I feel that way no longer.
The last decade or more has brought readers like me an endless parade of celebrity faces. I have been irritated seeing the likes of Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, and Rhianna ad nauseam on the cover, month after month.
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I have nothing against any of the people chosen for the covers it is what they symbolize. A celebrity obsessed culture for no reason. The women featured on these covers have their place in their professions, acting, music, etc. but not as the face of what reader refer to as "The Fashion Bible". Prior to live models VOGUE used to use interesting illustrations and art work.
I feel
sad for all of the models who's highest aspirations were the cover of American VOGUE. I remember several models saying they knew they had made it when they graced the cover of such a coveted magazine. Where did the models go? Did I miss the cultural equivalent of a 9.0 earthquake that caused a cultural shift from art, style and fashion to this celebrity obsessed herd. It is not just VOGUE but all fashion publications follow the same formula, our bazaar obsession with strangers sells magazines.
Today marks an end of an era for me as I can now classify this once superior publication as inferior, tasteless and becoming obsolete. The bar has been dropped so low that it is truly any body's game. The chances just got greater that after a few years on TV you too can grace the cover of VOGUE with no significant cultural or fashion contribution whatsoever. I understand this is a business and the object of this game is to sell magazines but in the process they are selling their readers short.
I am, quite frankly sick of VOGUE catering to the ego's of 'celebrities' and this cover is a clear indication of the current calibre of the publication and editor. I find it fascinating that Anna Wintour found the need to speak out about the cover to assure everyone that it wasn't paid for by the man who thinks he is the second coming Yeezus Christ or was it a creative genius? I can't keep up with the narcissistic self proclamations anymore. Anna said "As for the cover, my opinion is that it is both charming and touching, and it was, I should add, entirely our idea to do it; you may have read that Kanye begged me to put his fiancee on Vogue‘s cover. He did nothing of the sort. The gossip might make better reading, but the simple fact of the matter is that it isn’t true.”
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Another thing that I find obnoxious and obsolete is this 'make you or break you' opinion of Anna Wintour and the stranglehold she seems to have over fashion designers, buyers and other creative people associated with the publication. It is unfathomable that she can call the shots to iconic designers and up-and-coming talent when it is obvious her taste level is lacking when she finds the likes of Kimye "Charming and touching". Perhaps it is time that Anna and her tacky fur to step down as Editor and chief to allow another to truly innovate the publication again and make it the cutting edge, high end magazine that it once was.
Where is the second coming of Diana Vreeland when you need her? For those of you who don't know, Ms Vreeland was the editor of VOGUE from 1962 to 1971 and infused the magazine with beauty, innovation and originality. Something that the current publication is in obvious short supply of.
I wonder if the April issue will also include an advertisement for the Kardashian collection at SEARS? Imagine having a person on the cover of VOGUE who sell's their clothing at SEARS? Nothing against Sears but I don't think that they are the calibre of retailer that VOGUE usually caters too. Maybe I am wrong and Anna Wintour will find it 'charming' that SEARS and their advertising dollars join the ranks of luxury brands like GUCCI, VERSACE and DIOR. Will the editorials depict styled looks including the Kardashian Kollection polyurethane moto jacket with BVLGARI jewels?
It seems like a silly comparison, right? Of course, but THIS is the exact message that the ill conceived cover is sending to VOGUES readership.
I am feeling much relieved to have posted my digital 2 cents on the issue but I have to reiterate my serious level of sadness that this cover has brought me and what it symbolizes. I have spend thousands of hours pouring over VOGUE, enjoying the well written articles and inspirational editorials (Thanks Grace). I just cannot continue contribute my time and/or money to a magazine that attempts to glamorize all that is generic and shallow about our society. Neither Kanye or Kim have made any significant contribution to the world of fashion in any way besides being consumers. Don't even get me started on the self proclaimed creative genius' feeble attempt(s) to insert himself and his ego into the industry. This cover makes a mockery of the decades of fabulous fashion at VOGUE!
I sent my subscription cancellation request tonight and was returned an automatic message from VOGUE'S customer service
I wonder if their customer service representatives have been flooded with messages echoing the mighty Anna's sentiments about the "Charming" cover?
VOGUE OVER for me. What are your thoughts?
Enjoy your evening dear reader. We will return to the regularly scheduled positive blog programming in this space tomorrow.
