New Delhi: Model Kendall Jenner is back in headlines, and this time after Vogue India revealed earlier this week that the reality TV star and supermodel would grace the cover of its 10th anniversary issue.
The magazine has been blasted online for its decision to feature Jenner, a white American, instead of an Indian model on the cover of its 10th anniversary issue. Many people have said it’s yet another example of a missed opportunity to celebrate women of colour.
Vogue India released a statement Friday offering a “few clarifications” about the cover. “In the last 10 years, Vogue India has had only 12 international covers, including Kendall Jenner, in 2017,” the statement said. “Therefore, statistically, 90 percent of our covers are Indian! And we are proud of that.”
The magazine said that it wants to feature “some of the best international celebrities on our covers. Occasionally!” Representatives for Jenner were not available for comment.
For some Indians, the cover was an insulting reminder of the country’s obsession with whitening creams and light skin.
The photo spreads inside the magazine did feature some Indian faces, including Bollywood actors Sushant Singh Rajput and Hong Kong-born Katrina Kaif. The piece was shot by Peruvian photographer Mario Testino in India’s pink city, Jaipur. But the decision to choose Jenner for a cover celebrating India still left many upset.
