Vogue or Vague? | The Issues with American Vogue’s Issues
Vogue has dominated the publishing industry since it’s very first issue in 1892.
You would think, after 126 years of existence, the firm would have mastered the art of creating a great issue by now.
Instead, their very success has created an issue of its own…
Vogue US has lead the trends on topics from photography, beauty, culture, lifestyle, and, most importantly, fashion.
Once their monthly issues has hit the shelfs, the attention from other magazine brands would die down and all eyes would finally turn to Vogue, and Vogue only.
However, the magazine has taken a recession from delivering quality in order to bring their readers quantity. Anna Wintour, Vogue’s tyrannical editor, presided over the magazine’s switch from quarterly to monthly publications.
This has resulted in the US version losing touch with it’s original originality.
Worse still, Vogue US is being made to look tacky and ordinary in contrast to other Vogue franchises staying true to the brands historical principles.
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With Vogue expanding and creating international editions inspired by the original, such as “Vogue Arabia”. It has opened the doors for more representation of different cultures; creative diversity of content; and inclusivity.
Aspects its predecessor ignored.
Influence of Culture in Fashion
Vogue Arabia “In Vogue”
Having only been birthed in 2016, the Arabic edition of the conglomerate came under instant attack for making visual strives to further banish the misconceptions of differing cultures.
With the release of its first issue, criticism arose from basic misunderstanding and offence that only true art can cause.
Gigi Hadid suffered a backlash for the cover image. Claims such as “the photograph being unrealistic and insulting to Arab culture”, were made by the political correctness police, who misunderstood the real history and customs of Arabia.
Vogue Arabia’s Debut Cover Revealed
Gigi Hadid in Brandon Maxwell
voguearabia.gigihadid | Gigi Hadid in Brandon Maxwell, Shot for Vogue Arabia, March Issue (2019).
To many others, it has been considered one of the best Vogue covers of all time.
The sentimental value that the image bears for the Arab world makes it all the more intimate and transcendent.
It treads daringly along a lacy line of sexuality that lazy stereotyping easily forgets has long been a powerful force in the crucible of civilisation.
The veil toys with notions of paradoxical perception, and ushers Gigi to a bygone mystical era.
The cover also explores the veil as an ever-shifting and multi-layered emblem encompassing the divine, the sacred, and the timeless.
A symbol of faithful legacy, mystery and exotic enchantment.
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Kim Kardashian in Manfred Thierry Mugler
voguearabia.kimkardashian | Kim Kardashian in Manfred Thierry Mugler for Vogue Arabia, September Issue (2019)
Even Kim Kardarshian’s vulgar and controversial perception can be utterly eradicated when viewed through the lens of Vogue Arabia’s classy surrealism.
It’s a testament to the Arab magazine’s desire and ability to take risks, and continuously innovate their imagery.
Coming forth and originating from a background that is very much conservative and repressed–to have no qualms with exploring and experimenting with their visuals-is truly a remarkable feat.
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The Vague US
Kendall Jenner for Vogue September Issue (2016)
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It is clear to see that one edition is more obligated to representation.
Whether that be a representation of certain groups of people; the availability or freedom for creative expression; or even communicating through the means of visuals.
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The regurgitated covers from Vogue US seem artificial, as if bland and tasteless was a company directive.
From the plain and blurry backdrops to the myriad of unnecessary text - like offline Ad-pop ups - the commercial pursuit of Vogue US has hijacked its creative raison d'être.
A rigid colour palette - combined with vague photography concepts, and a dull eye for styling - is always presented by predictable socialites, like Vogue’s covers were a revolving door of beauty-elite’s.
The formula is fixed, repetitive and unworthy of the title.
As if calling it “Vogue” was the height of irony.
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These covers lack an imaginative flare or any means of cultural reference, from the garments to the photography.
It reveals Vogue to be living in a cultural vacuum, caused by the very culture of consumerism it’s been covering for over a century.
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The Issues with American Vogue’s Issues
Vogue’s commercialisation is a move to the lowest common denominator - the surest way to remove creativity from decision making.
It leaves a vacuum in presenting what fashion is truly about.
The magazine fails to highlight fashion’s continuity for innovation, and its versatility and adaptiveness towards various styles and concepts.
Betraying the legacy of fashion’s greatest publication is perhaps predictable in an age where novelty has too many enemies, and the money men will take growing graphs over pushing boundaries any day.
That’s why, in another ironic twist of fate, you don’t turn to the “Free World” anymore for ground breaking fashion magazines.
It’s in the world’s most conservative, traditional and unprogressive region where they don’t make Vogue, vague.