Fashion photos first began to be used as early as the 1800s and they are still being used to date. However, the fashion photographers have taken their art a bit too far treating their audience to displeasing images. This has caused a lot of outrage in their viewers. Some of these photos are discussed below:

The French Vogue's Blackface Of 2009

Steven Klein, an American photographer, and Carine Roitfeld, a Vogue Paris editor painted Caucasian model Lara Stone in blackface makeup for a spread in the new "Supermodels" issue of the magazine. The magazine never featured any models of color whatsoever. The photoshoot provoked outrage as its subject spread through fashion websites and internet forums. Some criticized the producers of the image accusing them of cultural insensitivity adding that painting white people black is offensive and should be condemned.

The Elle Macpherson Ad

This ad was about lingerie but the way it was presented left a bad taste in many people’s mouths. The image shows a woman lying crumpled on the floor in a helpless position and exposing her underwear. Someone may be forgiven to imagine the woman is drunk or has been thrown there. Her face is down, her shoulders hunched, and she looks like she hasn’t any strength to “defend” herself. Many people said this image is very provocative and propagates general discomfort. They added that such an image can promote violence against women.

The Gabbana Ad Of 2007

This ad by Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana shows a man pinning a woman down by her wrists while three muscled men stand and watch. The image has been criticized by many with some saying it represents women in fashion as objects that can be misused and dumped. Some said the image is representative of an increasing demeaning attitude against women in the fashion industry portraying a very clear link between the mainstreaming of pornography and the fashion-beauty industry.

There are many other images in the fashion industry that have caused outrages. But one question that needs to be answered is whether the producers of these images had the intention to offend. In most cases, it would be realized that these people had good intentions but those intentions got misinterpreted by others. For example, Dolce & Gabbana pulled down their Elle MacPherson ad in good faith after the much criticism they received from viewers.

Controversial Advertising