It’s no secret that Vogue isn’t our favorite feel-good read, but this month, it seems as though Anna Wintour decided to flip us the proverbial bird.
But first, let’s talk for a minute about the cover girl: Vogue favorite and possible photoshop victim Blake Lively. In the letter from the editor, Wintour describes the blonde Gossip Girl star as a “terrific role model for young women: sporty, healthy, family-minded, and effortlessly lovely.” Indeed, besides escapism, role models seem to be the theme for the issue – she also includes a hat tip to Glee actor Matthew Morrison. Although Lively isn’t the worst role model a girl could hope for – she actually comes across as funny and refreshingly honest in her surf-themed interview – she is overshadowed by some other notable contributors, including the always-dapper (even when on a surf board) Hamish Bowles and everyone’s favorite pervy photog: Terry Richardson.
Fittingly, Wintour decided to pair the man who has been accused of taking advantage of young models with a group of lithe, young, all-but naked girls in a spread titled “Bare Essentials.” The accessories featured run the gamut from ugly ($1,090 suede sandals that look like budding designer Little J decided to improvise some Jesus shoes with black ace bandages) to completely beach-inappropriate (would carry a $3,850 lambskin bag to the beach yet forget to wear a top?). Most obnoxious, however, are the continual nods to their state of undress. Does showing a topless model covering herself with a copy of David Sedaris’s Naked count as clever these days?
Related: On The Matter Of Blake Lively’s Breasts, Blake Lively and Anna Wintour: A Love Story
