Vogue Paris...Trying Too Hard or Published by Pedophiles?

I'm pretty sure that this photo spread appearing in the January issue of Vogue Paris was supposed to be controversial.  Epic fail, Vogue Paris.  You waaaaay overshot the mark.  There is nothing provocative, controversial or high-fashion about these photographs.  They are just gross.

Let's ease into this mess with the photo on the left. Here we have six-year olds in couture, looking at themselves in a mirror.  Nothing wrong with a little self-objectification, of course.  It's standard for older women in fashion spreads.  What I find  more troubling is the way the photo is taken from behind them, and one of the girls is turned as if she is just noticing that she is being watched.  Maybe I took too many feminist classes in college, but this reeks of voyeurism and male gaze.

Moving on...

There is no denying that gold lamé is always classy, especially on little girls.  I think that the down-to-there plunging neckline, age-inappropriate heels, and leopard print just take this to a whole new level.  I feel like I'm looking at an ad for a child-prostitution ring run by Donald Trump.

Okay, the photo on the left is a relatively innocuous image, like something from a very special nouveu riche episode of Toddlers and Tiaras.   It's definitely mild in comparison to the doozy on the right. 

Sure there is not much skin showing in this fun Christmas-themed photo, but this one is all about the camera angle and the posing.  It's a very clear (and très lecherous) example of male gaze. There is a whole lot of implied sexuality for a girl who probably spends a lot of time watching Sponge Bob (Bob l'éponge?) and playing with dolls.

Sigh. I don't have much to say about this one.   I love the f-me heels and the come-hither, ruby red parted lips.  What are these little girls learning about themselves by participating in this bullshittery? There are some grown-ups running around who are in severe need of an ass-kicking.

Seriously, who in the hell would let their child pose in this photo spread? 

Blech, blech, blech.   I suppose I should go see if I need to notify my neighbors for having this crap on my hard drive.


Also, what is wrong with me that the little girl above makes me think about this?