It's 2014 and for some reason blackface still seems to be a reoccurring issue. High-profile individuals and publications have been "drawing inspiration" from the minstrel tradition that's rife with racism, hatred, and history. This time, the culprit is Vogue Italia.
The editorial, called "Abracadabra," features model Saskia de Brauw in blackface make-up and styled in "ethnic" garb, including a head wrap and tribal-print fabric. Photographed by the controversial Steven Meisel, Saskia is framed with animals and she's bounded by chains and muzzles. While it doesn't depict blackface in the "traditional" sense, is it ever appropriate to re-create? It'll be interesting to see what Vogue Italia has to say about this because there always seems to be an excuse or "explanation."
You can find "Abracadabra" in the publication's March 2014 issue.
[via Huffington Post]
