After Backlash Vogue Releases New Limited Edition Kamala Harris Cover

Following the severe social media backlash, Vogue magazine has announced that it will publish a limited edition of the February issue, featuring a different picture of Kamala Harris. The new Vogue cover will feature a different photograph of the Vice-President-elect, that was used as a cover by the magazine for its digital edition.

The magazine decided to revise its cover after the widespread backlash it received for lack of respect for the Vice-President-elect. Critics called out on vogue for a “poorly composed” cover image and accused the magazine of diminishing Kamala Harris's achievements as the first Black woman to be elected US Vice President.

Moreover, netizens on social media criticised the cover image for the lighting of the photo and also questioned if the magazine had lightened the soon-to-be Vice President’s skin tone.

 Vogue Editor Anna Wintour defended the original image by insisting that the magazine had no intention to "diminish" Harris's "incredible" election victory. Wintour told the New York Times, “We have taken a note of the reaction towards the print cover and acknowledged the issue.” She further added, “I just want to convey a message that it was absolutely not our intention to diminish the value and importance of the Vice President-elect’s incredible victory.”

Additionally, the editor also informed of taking complete responsibility or "publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant."

Though Harris did not herself publicly react to the original feature image, a source close to her told the US media that she was surprised by the choice of the relaxed photo.

The original cover image, showing Harris wearing Converse sneakers and casual clothes will now feature her in a more formal portrait wearing a light blue Michael Kors pantsuit.

A spokesperson from Vogue said that they will be publishing a limited number of special edition inauguration issues for the celebration of this historic moment.