Shortly before the US election, the presidential candidate graces the cover of the fashion magazine. However, the way Kamala Harris is depicted has met with criticism.
On November 5th it will be decided whether Kamala Harris will become the first female president of the USA or Donald Trump will move back into the White House. Shortly before the election, the American fashion magazine “Vogue” named the Democratic candidate the cover star of its October issue.
In the photo published on Friday, the 59-year-old can be seen sitting in an armchair wearing a dark brown suit with a matching silk blouse. She smiles slightly, captured by star photographer Annie Leibovitz. “Vice President Kamala Harris” is on the cover and “The candidate for our times” is written on the cover.
Kamala Harris, the first politician with Indian-African-American roots to serve as US Vice President, was already on the cover of “Vogue” when she took office in 2021. At that time she appeared in a rather casual pose, wearing her favorite sneakers. Critics had accused the magazine of choosing a more serious photo out of respect for the office.
Now again, critical voices are being raised about the depiction of the 59-year-old. This time it’s not about the outfit, but Kamala Harris’ face. Numerous users complain on social media that the photo was edited too heavily. “Every wrinkle has been retouched,” “Great, now Kamala no longer has any pores” or “Normally she looks like a Californian raisin. She has been ironed completely smooth” are just some of the comments on Instagram and X.
The conservative American journalist Megyn Kelly also finds clear words. “Making Kamala Harris look 39 instead of 59 was a mistake,” she criticizes the fashion magazine, which is known for heavily editing photos. She appeals: “You want her to radiate seriousness – then just leave the wrinkles, ‘Vogue’!”
Kelly sees this as problematic, especially with Harris, because she is running for a very important position and would be the first woman to hold this office. “What message are you sending to young girls? You can be president as long as you don’t age? You can’t age because as a woman you have to be both attractive and credible? That’s not what a role model looks like!”