Vogue’s latest cover has caused confusion among readers, who have been questioning the length of model Gigi Hadid’s arm.
The cover features a range of models, including Ashley Graham and Kendall Jenner, in a beach scene.
However, one hand visible in the picture, resting on Graham’s waist, appears to be unnaturally long.
The hand has led to speculation that it belongs to Hadid, who is standing behind the group of models.
Twitter users have queried the appearance of the hand, with one asking: “Why are Gigi’s fingers so far away from her hand?” Another questioned whether the image was an example of “aggressive photoshop”.
The hand may actually belong to Graham, meaning that it is her own arm that is unnaturally positioned.
However, this has not been confirmed.
The cover has won praise for its diversity.
In addition to Hadid, Graham and Jenner, the cover features models Liu Wen, Imaan Hammam, Adwoa Aboah, and Vittoria Ceretti.
The shoot has been described as a “glorious celebration of modern American women”.
However, some have criticised the styling of Graham, the only plus-sized model to appear.
She is shown in plain bikini bottoms, while the other models sport bright colours and patterns.
Graham is also shown with her hand down by her side, rather than resting on another model’s waist, as is the case with the other models.
It has been suggested that these choices of pose may have been intended to make Graham appear smaller.
Vogue has yet to comment on the criticisms.
In response to the confusion over the hand, some social media users have jokily asked if Hadid is a “long-armed wizard”.
Others have pointed out that the most likely explanation is that the hand in question has been photoshopped into an unnatural position.
No official comment has been made on the matter.
The cover has been widely shared on social media, with many praising its diversity and the choice of models.
The shoot has been seen as a positive example of the fashion industry’s attempts to become more inclusive.
However, criticism of the styling of Graham has led some to question whether this inclusivity is genuine.
While the hand has attracted much attention, it is unlikely to diminish the impact of the shoot as a whole.
Vogue has been attempting to improve its representation of wider society in recent years, and the March 2017 cover is a further step in this direction.
The cover has also drawn attention to the issue of photoshopping in fashion shoots.
The industry has faced criticism for airbrushing images, leading to unrealistic beauty standards and negative body image.
The appearance of the hand on the Vogue cover has highlighted the lengths to which magazines and advertisers will go in order to create the “perfect” image.
As yet, there is no evidence to suggest that the hand on the cover was deliberately altered in this way.
However, the furore over the image has shown how sensitive readers have become to issues of representation and authenticity.
This will be a challenge for the fashion industry going forward, as consumers demand greater transparency and honesty in advertising and editorial content.
The controversy over the hand may ultimately prove to be a minor footnote in the history of the March 2017 Vogue cover.
