The latest reproduction of “Hairspray” is as tragic as a Goal Dei Rollback.
Vogue’s latest stunt, with the Oh-So-thin Gigi Hadid in A “HAIRSPRAY” -SEPIRED VIDEO For the newspaper’s cover history, is like serving a triple shot of gas lighting with a side of cultural insensitivity for dinner. Each theater geek will say that when the casting call is for “hairspray”, it means it is time for the often overlooked big girls, black divor and tow to finally take the center. Broadway Classic is a raw, cordial celebration of Empowerment And the fight against segregation. And now, here we are looking at Vogue seemingly the decenter itself that made the musical iconic.
Let’s be real: “Hair spray” was built on the idea that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Still, Vogue’s Casting Choice feels like a cosmic mix. . . An obvious surveillance that leaves us to scrape our heads. I can hear my eyes roll behind the screens when tictokers commented: “What is the purpose of a hair spray-inspired photography without a model in plus size?” And, “Yes, Hair spray! The musical Praised about a thin woman!” In fact, their sarcasm captures the question here: the original production is not about thinness at all. It is about challenging the norms and making room for those who defy society’s unrealistic standards.
“Hair spray” was built on the idea that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Still, Vogue’s Casting Choice feels like a cosmic mix.
Vogue’s version of “You Can’t Stop the Beat” is clearly out of rate, more like an incorrect drum solo than a captivating bop. By siding representation in plus size, Vogue is missing not only the brand-it writes about the Spell Book on body positivity (as if they have not already had enough practice in washing out diversity) while riding on the latest cultural wave as thin is back, thanks Weight loss drugs such as Ozempic.
The fact that our country’s definitive fashion magazine made a decision for lean-washing “hair spray” is a reflection of a broader cultural change that we all navigate. We are in an era where the pursuit of thinness is so glorified that even a musical that is known for its message of inclusion becomes twisted to a platform for a narrow, almost toxic ideal. The connection is tangible-a show that is intended to be a tangled celebration of body diversity now feels like a diluted, homogenized tribute to a predictable, outdated aesthetics.
Vog’s decision goes beyond a simple incorrect consignment; There are volumes about the renewed media wave, which is increasingly fixed at slimness at the expense of diversity. With every glossy shooting and production with high budget, we are reminded that at this cultural moment is not just the lecture-it is expected. And if it means that sideways in size representation in a tribute to one of the most inclusive musicals ever created, the media sends a message higher than any choreographed number: Diversity is optional.
By choosing to throw a narrow icon into a story that should have been a complete celebration of curves and character, not only the spirit of “hair spray” but also reinforces a cultural story where thinness is standard and every deviation is simply, yes, by Vogue. It is as if the industry forgot that true rhythm comes from embracing all voices, all bodies and all stories – even those that do not fit into the narrow boundaries of an idealized, thin silhouette.
Yes, this happens, but we can’t afford to fall asleep at the steering wheel. We have to keep our eyes on open, continue to call out these errors and demand that our cultural icons – especially those as loved as “hair spray” – remain faith in their roots to celebrate all the amazing, different bodies that characterize the stage. One can only hope that the media and fashion will rise in the future and embrace real inclusion rather than settle for an oven season, offbeat remix of a beloved classic.
Deve Olisa is a trailblazing voice in inclusive health and beauty, dedicated to inspiring plus size and black women to embrace self-care with confidence. As the founder of Cocoa of CECE and the creator of the curve method, CECE mixes personal experience with experts to make Wellness available, happy and strengthening for everyone.
