How pairing sneakers with a suit sparked controversy for a fashion magazine

'Vogue' chose the cover on the right for the hard copy of its February publication. The one on the left appears on the digital issue. Photo: AFP

A Vogue cover photo of a casual US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris has sparked controversy, with critics saying it diminishes the politician's achievements, forcing editor Anna Wintour to defend the image Tuesday (Jan 12).

Criticism of the cover has spread on social media since it was released on Sunday (Jan 10), with users insisting that what they see as a poorly composed portrait of Harris wearing sneakers is disrespectful to the first Black woman to be elected vice president.