So . . . most folks would agree that having white models or actors use blackface to portray black characters is a bit on the less than tasteful side of things and that a defense that it should be okay since the magazine was being published in Africa would not lead to a lot of agreement.

So, how come Dolce & Gabbana‘s story in a Japan version of Vogue features model Crystal Renn in yellowface? For those unfamiliar with “yellowface” it’s an oldstyle term for using makeup and other tricks to make a non-Asian model or actor appear to have Asianesque characteristics.

Here’s the video of the process:

Obviously, not everyone thought this was a good idea . . . some found it more than a whole lot offensive.

See http://jezebel.com/5836896/italian-fashion-editor-tapes-models-eyes-into-slants-for-vogue-japan-asian-writers-offended and http://www.refinery29.com/is-taping-your-eyes-to-look-asian-the-new-blackface and http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/geisha_school_dropout/2011/09/second-grade-playground-racism-called-and-it-wants-its-joke-back.html.

I agree with Jenna Sauers who writes: “Hey, Anna Dello Russo, do you know what would be easier and less racist than trying to change a white model into an Asian model? Booking an Asian model!”. See http://jezebel.com/5836572/lady-gaga-approves-of-tavi-disses-cathy-horyn for comment.

All the best,
Brian
http://www.briandavidphillips.com