Saturday, December 13, 2008

Juxtaposition.






Quite a photo shoot, hmm?

In a country where 465 million citizens live off 1.25$ a day, here goes a debate as to whether or not Vogue India was being sensitive enough about living conditions of millions of Indians. The 16-page photo shoot above triggered the debate between Vogue India's editor and the Indian citizens. Vogue India defends its work by saying it reflects "the power of fashion", and that "fashion is no longer a rich man's privilege. Anyone can carry it and make it look beautiful." Arguments against the photo shoot include descriptions of it -in local newspapers-as being distasteful, tacky, and vulgar. 

Featuring a toothless old man carrying a Burberry umbrella, a child from a poor family wearing a Fendi bib, do you think Vogue India took it too far? Or does their photo shoot really send a strong positive message across? I seriously doubt the latter. Tres intriguing nonetheless. 

photocred: nytimes, highheelconfidential

10 comments:

asameee said...

465 million ppl ln india live on 1.25$ a day?!?!?! that's over 40% of the population :o

oh my god how silly have i been. all my life. and will i continue to be silly.. forever?

Baroque said...

Wow, such an eye-opening/popping post.

I find this effort by Vogue appallingly distasteful and a total hypocritical way of featuring fashion.

It's like, "if you haven't got it, flaunt it"; which is degrading by itself.

eshda3wa said...

i dont think its vulgar

bel3ax

i like it

Anonymous said...

I saw this before and I'm so impressed! I really like it :D

ARABIAN VOGUEITE said...

I liked it too. I've lived in india Taj Mahal Hotel for more than 5 years. Ive seen those poor ppl everyday, they are everywhere. you can see them the second you walk out. In India there is two different standard of living. Maharajas & rich ppl with trillionz in accounts. And poor ppl who will kiss your hand, feet, whatever.. just for a bite.

thirty1seven said...

Its striking..kind of smacks reality in your face..

I think Vogue did this brilliantly, it speaks out to those who just think only "they" can wear it or even afford it.

Great post N!

Aljoud said...

I loathe it (the concept) but I love the photography! Apparently they did their research beforehand but seriously, its just heartbreaking.. you know that these people can't even afford a decent meal, let alone such luxurious items!!!

Anonymous said...

hey fashionistas...love ur blog girls!! so now tell me, any ideas 'bout Beirut? Lebanon? I'm going there for january... any idea about hot shopping spots? Elie tahari clothes? other top-notch boutiques? Fashionable eateries..cafes & restaurants?? do update me lovelies<3

Anonymous said...

true it is intriguing but you can't help but feel that there is something wrong about it... I don't like it very much...

Alya said...

I dont think it showed the power of fashion at all. I think they were trying to be ironic in a humorous way, but it was distasteful instead.