'Vogue' to release new Kamala Harris cover after controversy

With the original cover choice, the fashion magazine was accused of not giving the vice president-elect 'due respect'

'Vogue' will release a limited number of issues featuring US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the blue Michael Kors Collection suit (left). The magazine was criticised for publishing the cover on the right, with Harris in a relaxed jacket and sneakers, with critics saying it diminishes her achievements. AFP / VogueShow less

Vogue will publish a limited edition of its latest issue featuring a different photo of Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris after the original cover image sparked controversy, the magazine said on Tuesday.

Critics slammed the photo that graced the hard copy of the February issue, saying it was poorly composed and diminished Harris's achievements as the first black woman to be elected vice-president.

In recognition of the enormous interest in the digital cover, we will be publishing a limited number of special edition inaugural issues

Social media users criticised the lighting of the photo, in which Harris wears a blazer, jeans and sneakers, and also questioned whether the magazine had lightened her skin.

Following the backlash, Vogue announced it would release some copies with a more formal portrait of Harris wearing a light blue Michael Kors suit. That image had been used for the digital cover.

"In recognition of the enormous interest in the digital cover, and in celebration of this historic moment, we will be publishing a limited number of special edition inaugural issues," a spokesperson for Vogue said.

Editor Anna Wintour was forced to defend the original image after it circulated online earlier this month, insisting it was not the magazine's intention to "diminish" Harris's "incredible" election victory.

Writing in the Washington Post, fashion critic Robin Givhan said the print cover was "overly familiar" and did not give Harris "due respect".

Both photos were taken by American photographer Tyler Mitchell, who in 2018 became the first black photographer to shoot a Vogue cover with his portraits of Beyonce.

Harris, 56, did not publicly react, but sources close to her told US media that she was surprised by the choice of the more relaxed photo.

The controversy was the latest to hit Wintour, who found herself under pressure during the massive Black Lives Matter protests that swept the US last summer.

She apologised for not making enough room for black stylists and photographers in the magazine.

Wintour added that she also took "full responsibility" for "publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant."

Kamala Harris, then San Francisco District Attorney, poses for a portrait on June 18, 2004. AP

San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris attends the 'Choose Or Lose Your Toys' event at the Obsolete Gallery on November 3, 2009 in Venice, California. Getty

US President Barack Obama greets California Attorney General Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom, Lieutenant Governor of California, after arriving on Air Force One at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco on February 17, 2011. AFP

Attorney General Kamala Harris arrives at the 5th Annual Kidstock To Benefit One Voice Scholars Programme at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, California, on June 5, 2011. AFP

Actors Hilary Swank, Sean Penn and Attorney General of California Kamala Harris attend the Cinema For Peace event benefiting J/P Haitian Relief Organisation in Los Angeles held at Montage Hotel on January 14, 2012. AFP

Reverend Al Sharpton meets Kamala Harris for lunch at Sylvia's restaurant on February 21, 2019 in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Getty

President-elect Joe Biden pumps his fist on stage with his vice-president elect Kamala Harris. AP Photo

Democratic vice presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign stop in Detroit, Michigan on October 25, 2020. AFP