The #VogueChallenge is the latest trend to enrapture the internet, as we wait out the coronavirus pandemic. People have found joy moulding the hallowed, sacred nature of Vogue covers in their own image, reinterpreting it from diverse perspectives, backgrounds and individual aesthetics, with lots of creative freedom to boot. While also fulfilling fantasies through photoshop and other visual edits, this challenge has democratized creative control of one of the leading fashion publications in the world, which has had top celebrities like Beyoncé and Rihanna grace its covers.
Importantly, though, it has given Black creatives – models, photographers, stylists etc – the chance to be visible, and showing the large pool of Black talents that are routinely denied opportunities and access in white-run, fashion media. Case in point: Harper’s Bazaar just announced Samira Nasr as its first Black Editor-in-Chief in its 153-year history, and for Beyoncé’s iconic Vogue cover in 2018, it saw the first time a Black photographer Tyler Mitchell would shoot for the publication in the magazine’s 123-year existence.
”What the #VogueChallenge has shown me is that there are just as many talent Black artists in the photo industry as there are excuses for not hiring them,” photographer Yagazie Emezi said in a tweet, urging Black creatives to keep participating in the challenge.
The slew of Vogue covers from Black creatives, which is reaching critical mass, is beautiful as it is glorious. It is also providing reprieve from the onslaught and tensions arising from the Black Lives Matter protests, all over America and beyond. There has been much criticisms about the fashion industry showing performative solidarity with the movement, fashion brands and media outlets called out for their optical allyship towards ending racism while maintaining systems that shuts out Black creatives, or treats them poorly. With that in mind, the #VogueChallenge feels like a mighty response, featuring Black creatives writing their own narratives for a change.
Fresh off his first international stint with Billboard, multidisciplinary creative Daniel Obasi and style influencer Denola Grey have made sure Nigeria isn’t left out from the trend, and below features some of our faves:
Here we go! #VogueChallenge pic.twitter.com/T8ika8byKI
— Daniel Obasi (@iamdanielobasi) June 9, 2020
Manifesting several Vogue covers in the future #VogueChallenge ?? pic.twitter.com/3auQBD0jXT
— Kweku ?? (@obislens) June 9, 2020
It took a lot for me not to post my latest unreleased work. But yeah, here’s my #VogueChallenge pic.twitter.com/Wf9XX8ERce
— Lex Ash (@TheLexash) June 9, 2020
Photography: Mikey Oshai.@Acupofmikey pic.twitter.com/1lcR1Aj1U1
— Dénola Grey (@DenolaGrey) June 9, 2020
The year is 90something. ??#VogueChallenge pic.twitter.com/1EuqGCbJpK
— Chuenza MaChuenza ?️? (@SimplyChuene) June 10, 2020
Decided to join in ? #VogueChallenge pic.twitter.com/ZZKaGoRR6q
— Kunié ? (@TheTunmise) June 10, 2020
I couldn’t resist lol #VogueChallenge pic.twitter.com/D452Nzv42F
— Deolu Photography (@deoluphotograph) June 9, 2020
#VogueChallenge These pictures would look great on the cover of Vogue. The color is BLACK. pic.twitter.com/LuLufEYKUY
— Jordan Blake (@jordanblake587) June 9, 2020
might as well participate. #VogueChallenge pic.twitter.com/knxhyN73ci
— trev (@Treevv_) June 9, 2020
vogue trend but make it ART ? #VogueChallenge pic.twitter.com/0s15ISovEU
— The African Barbie Doll (@chelseandirangu) June 9, 2020
When Bernard Dayo isn’t writing about pop culture, he’s watching horror movies and reading comics and trying to pretend his addiction to Netflix isn’t a serious condition.
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