Model Claudia Schiffer Cover Photo on German Magazine in Black Make-Up and Afro Wig, Sparks Controversy

Model Claudia Schiffer sparks controversy after photos of her in black make-up and afro wig appear on cover of German-based magazine, Stern Fotografie.

Model Claudia Schiffer has found herself in the middle of a controversy that could have been avoided. She has been accused of racial insensitivity after appearing on the cover German fashion bible Stern Fotografie to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Sorry, but I am sure Claudia Schiffer and Karl Lagerfeld could have made their statement without her donning blackface and an afro wig.

The images were taken two years ago for a Dom Perignon advertising campaign and it was offensive then and still is today. If they wanted a black look, then there are many black models who could have filled that role effectively. The reality is that there are still not enough women of color gracing the covers of mainstream magazines, so to use a white woman covered in black foundation and an afro wig is an insult.

Representatives of the model claim the pictures are intended to show the model as a variety of fantasy figures. A spokesman said: 'The pictures have been taken out of context. The images were designed to reflect different men's fantasies. 'The pictures were not intended to offend, they were done very creatively and they are some of Karl Lagerfeld's favourite images of Claudia. People should not jump to conclusions.' Source: UK Daily Mail

Really? It seems that the pictures did just that, offend and it was downright tasteless. We aren't back in the days of minstrel shows where blacks were minimized through buffoonery and idiocy.

Photo credit:  Claudia Schiffer, UK Daily Mail