Turning the page
WHEN MARIAN WRIGHT Edelman said: “You can’t be what you can’t see,” the American activist hit on the effect under-representation can have on those who don’t see themselves in mainstream media. The #VogueChallenge hashtag sees users capturing their own images and has garnered 275K posts on social media at time of writing. As individuals from all around the world have produced these covers in their entirety, often conceptualising, photographing, modelling and
MARLEY MORGAN
“I am a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri and Yuwaalaraay nations. I work and operate in Gumbaynggirr country. I am a mother to two boys. My work reflects my personality and my deep connection to Country and culture. I am a passionate believer in keeping culture alive through learning from it, growing by it and passing it on to our next generation.”
Why did you decide to do the #VogueChallenge?
“I originally posted my #VogueChallenge to raise awareness to the lack of representation and job opportunities for First Nations people in mainstream media.”
Tell us about the idea behind the final image you posted and the messages in your own words that are captured in it?
“This image is something you would never see in a mainstream publication. I am wearing minimal make-up, ochre and paperbark. The earrings are made by Aboriginal-owned business Minaku, run by my tidda girl, Nancy May. It is a very simple photo with a lot of heart and meaning. My culture is beautiful and deserves to be celebrated. This is the kind of cover I would love to see from Vogue .”
What do you hope those making decisions within the traditional fashion and beauty systems take away from this image, and the #VogueChallenge at large?
“It’s time to move forward
