In the WTF were you thinking dept...'Be my slave' fashion shoot...no really...

[one_voice]

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News Flash: Slavery is not and will never be in vogue!

While most people don't need such an obvious reminder, this pointed message goes out to Aamna Aqeel. The Pakistani designer has found herself in the middle of a racially charged backlash thanks to her editorial shoot entitled “Be My Slave."

In the spread, which is published in Diva magazine, a model is seen dressed in various Ageel designs while being catered to by a dark-skinned little boy who looks a lot like a slave. Our assumes can't be too far off considering the title of the story.

Since when did slavery become an appropriate marketing strategy? We're shocked--as should anyone who lays eyes on the images. And thankfully we're not alone.

The International Herald Tribune's Salima Feerasta felt the need to address the "vile images of racism and exploitation" and deemed the story "inexcusable." We couldn't agree more.

Feerasta spoke to Aqueel, who denied any intention of racism in the story. In fact, the designer's aim was to shed light on the issue of child labor. Aqueel said that the dark-skinned Baloch child was incidental. “He works in a garage and wanted some work.” As Feerasta so pointedly explains, Aqueel's reasoning doesn't add up and her message fails for many reasons.

*snip*

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/13/aamna-aqeel-be-my-slave-shoot-fashion-racism-_n_3268648.html?ref=topbar

[elleng]

1. Not the first but maybe the WORST 'fashion shoot.'

[morningfog]

2. It is offensive and sometimes art is that.

I can see an argument that this beats you over the head with what other fashion images do with somewhat more subtly. There is a point and a message in there.

[shenmue]

3. Art can have a message

The message here is, 'This sucks.'

[morningfog]

4. I agree. I think it also says

much of how high fashion operates and exploits is not very far from this depiction.

[burnodo]

5. " In fact, the designer's aim was to shed light on the issue of child labor"

She failed utterly.

[Liberal_in_LA]

6. whoa

[Quantess]

7. There may have been noble intentions.

The point may have been to be anti-slavery, anti-exploitation of dirt poor children. The art project TOTALLY FAILED if that was the point... instead the photos glamourize it.