British Vogue’s the photos are editorial, not advertising, selling glamorous escapes that answer to no authority, but our idea of glamor has changed since Evangelista embodied the supermodel ideal in George Michael’s 1990 music video for Freedom! 90.
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We’re moving towards greater inclusion around size, gender, age and ability in the fashion industry, with runway shows at this year’s Australian Fashion Week reflecting positive change.
Recognizing these changes, the August issue of the British Vogue celebrated the LGBTQ+ community, featuring Australian models Jordan Barrett and Aweng Chuol alongside actress Cynthia Erivo on the cover.
For that cover story, Erivo said the most important thing is to “give people the space to show themselves fully as who they are.” These images resembled more of who Evangelista was than who she is today.
Imagine the power, beauty and joy of a cover featuring Evangelista embracing her perceived flaws. How ex Vogue Australia editor Kirstie Clements said after recent pictures of the model, sans scarves and hats, on People“Evangelista thinks she looks terrible, but in the accompanying photos — which may no doubt have been doctored — she looks like any normal 50-year-old.”
There’s nothing wrong with putting your best face forward Vogue, but it should still be your face. Many of us cover blemishes with concealer, dye our hair gray, use social media filters and take comfort in shapewear for more confidence. It is when we erase ourselves to become another identity, or a past, that we embrace illusion at the expense of authenticity.
For people experiencing physical changes through illness, such as cancer, wigs, make-up and clothing can be tools to bring joy and help their mental health, with the help of groups such as Look Good Feel Better.
These photos have brought Evangelista some joy and healing. “All my insecurities are addressed in these photos, so I have to do what I want to do,” she admits in the interview.
Hopefully this encouragement will enable her to take off her hat, undo her ribbon and see the beauty in herself, so that fans like me will always applaud and keep her forever in fashion.
