Gigi Hadid’s latest cover for Vogue Italia, which was shot by Steven Klein for the publication’s May issue, has been a source of controversy. The shoot features Hadid and model Justin Martin both heavily so bronzed that some fans are calling it blackface, reports EOnline.com.
Responding to the backlash, Gigi tweeted, “Please understand that my control of a shoot 1. is non existent in terms of creative direction. 2. ends completely when I leave set, and anything done to a photo in post if out of my control fully (sic).”
She further explained, “The bronzing and photoshop is a style that S. Klein has done for many years and I believe was what was expected from the shoot (to show me in a different way creatively), BUT, although I understand what Vogue Italia’s intentions were, it was not executed correctly, and the concerns that have been brought up are valid (sic).” She continued, “I want to address this for those who were offended by the editing/retouching/coloring of the cover. Please know that things would have been different if my control of the situation was different (sic).”
Hadid concluded, “There are real issues regarding representation in fashion it’s our responsibility to acknowledge those issues and communicate through them to work towards a more diverse industry (sic).”
