Is This Cultural Appropriation?

Hm, I'm not sure this editorial is necessarily worth celebrating. Miranda Kerr is on the cover of Vogue Japan for the 15th anniversary issue of the magazine. In the shoot, styled by Anna Dello Russo, Mario Testino photographed Kerr in Japanese inspired looks, such as a samurai and a Geisha. In addition to the traditional garb, the famous brunette wore a black wig for the shoot to help channel the essence of Japanese culture.

So, what's the deal, Vogue? Though Kerr is clearly a pro, and gorgeous, I have a hard time believing there were no Japanese models suitable for the shoot, rather than dressing up a Westerner for the monumental issue.

This is not the first time a racial offense has been committed in fashion, obviously. In 2013, white model Ondria Hardin posed as an "African Queen" for Numéro magazine, Kate Moss famously went blackface for The Independent in 2006, and Constance Jablonski portrayed an African-American mother in 2010, also for Numéro. These are just a few of several incidents plaguing the fashion industry's reputation — don't get me started on all the stylish celebrities who are still wearing Native American headdresses outside of editorials.

Hopefully, Kerr's spread won't be received in an offensive or culturally appropriative manner. After all, she does have a large fan base overseas and has done commercial work in Japan before.

Either way, here are a few women I think might have been a better fit for the magazine's anniversary cover.

1. Rinko Kikuchi

Kikuchi was the first Japanese actress nominated for an Academy Award, and she's fierce. Enough said.

2. Ji Hye Park

She's walked for designers such as Dior, Lanvin, and Prada, even appearing in a Louis Vuitton campaign.

3. Liu Wen

She's already appeared on the covers of two Vogue editions, and was chosen as the face of Estée Lauder.

Images: Getty Images (3); _MagazineCovers/Twitter