Vogue Italia Publishes Photos of Dutch Model Posing In Blackface

Vogue Italia has found itself in the center of controversy once again.

The magazine is currently getting major backlash for publishing a spread titled Abracadabra for its March 2014 issue. The photos feature Dutch model Saskia de Brauw in face paint. What makes it controversial is that the face paint darkens her skin while she’s posing next to taxidermied African animals.

The photos were shot by industry veteran Stephen Meisel, and this definitely isn’t the first time Vogue publications has printed blackface photos. Last May, Vogue Netherlands caused controversy for its Heritage Heroes spread featuring white model Querelle Jansen (also Dutch) posing in blackface. Finally, in January 2014, Vogue Italia stirred previous controversy for segregating its street style photos.