Water & Oil for Italian Vogue by Steven Meisel

In the September issue of vogue Italia was the most controversial yet creative photo spread of the year. This 24 page spread had models wearing oil-soaked, feather outfits, posed in tangled nets, spitting up oil and flopping like a dying seal. Famed photographer Steven Meisel used model Kirsten McMenamy in many photos to help this controversial “campaign”.

The big question about the spread is: is this a mockery of a disaster destroying nature? Or an innovative way to make people aware of the extent of this disaster? In other words: sense of urgency vs. provocative attention?

One piece of evidence to sway a reader to think that this is definitely a sense of urgency spread is the Seaweed necklace worn by Kirsten on the front page. From Eco-designer Kathleen Nowak Tucci of My sister’s Art. The necklace is made of recycled inner-tubes sourced from the Gulf coast in the time of disaster. Knowing that the Vogue stylists actively chose this Eco-friendly item changes your thoughts about the statement being made. Doesn’t it?

But now think of this: is it right to create beauty and glamour out of tragedy? Seems a bit hypocritical considering thousands of dollars of luxury clothes were sourced and flown in for the shoot only to be subsequently ruined for the look and feel of the shoot. Instead of using the money as a donation to help clean up the oil spill which could make more of an impact on the world. Vogue chose to waste it on a controversial, tasteless photo shoot. Go look at the spread and decide for yourself.

Nicola Longworth