Vogue’s Gigi Hadid “Hairspray” Video Divides The Audience, Did They Miss the Point?
Gigi Hadid, a name synonymous with high fashion and glamorous photoshoots, is no stranger to controversy. Her latest venture, however, has sparked outrage online. This week, she graced the cover of Vogue‘s April edition, accompanied by a Hairspray-themed video. While the fashion world was buzzing over her stunning photos, fans quickly turned critical of the tribute video, labelling it “tone deaf.”
The Hairspray Tribute: What Happened?
In a video titled Gigi Hadid Can’t Stop the Beat, Hadid, alongside actress Laverne Cox, recreated scenes from the 2007 film Hairspray, where Hadid takes on the role of Amber von Tussle. A former musical theater star, Hadid has expressed her love for musicals and stage performances, citing Hairspray as one of her favorites. However, what seemed like a fun homage to the iconic show was met with backlash from fans.
Why Are Fans Upset?
Many fans took issue with the lack of diversity and representation in the video. The 2007 Hairspray movie dealt heavily with themes of racial segregation and body image, which many felt were glossed over in this tribute. Fans noted that the show’s core message is about inclusivity, particularly for larger-bodied people, but the video featured a cast of predominantly thin, conventionally attractive dancers.
- Fatphobia Concerns: “You cannot pay tribute to Hairspray and not include any fat women,” one fan posted.
- Representation Issues: Another person remarked, “How do you make an homage to Hairspray by having a white, blonde, super-skinny model as the main character?”
- “Tone Deaf”: Some felt that Hadid’s portrayal missed the point entirely, with one commenter saying, “You can’t just erase meaning for the sake of aesthetics.”
A Missed Opportunity?
Many critics argue that the video fails to capture the true essence of Hairspray, which was rooted in celebrating diversity and challenging beauty standards. Given that the film focused on Tracy Turnblad, a character who faces discrimination in the fatphobic world of 1960s showbiz, the video’s lack of representation felt like a step backward.
What Was Vogue Thinking?
Some fans expressed their dismay, questioning how such a tribute could make it onto the cover of a prestigious magazine like Vogue. One user wondered how long it would take for the video to be deleted altogether, as the backlash continued to grow.
Gigi’s Musical Theater Passion
Despite the controversy, Hadid’s love for musical theater is genuine, and she’s made it clear that this tribute was intended as a fun and light-hearted homage. Still, the strong reaction points to an uncomfortable truth about the fashion world’s persistent issues with inclusivity.
Is There Room for Improvement?
While Hadid’s tribute to Hairspray undoubtedly showcased her talents, it also revealed the continuing struggle for true representation in the media. Perhaps next time, Hadid and Vogue can take a more thoughtful approach, ensuring the message of inclusivity and diversity resonates beyond aesthetics.
