A Gucci-clad Beyonce is on the cover of French magazine L’Officiel‘s March issue, which just so happens to be their 90th anniversary issue.
For her spread, Beyowulf paid tribute to Nigerian musician and human rights activist Fela Kuti, who is also the inspiration behind her upcoming album.
There are a couple of pictures that show Sasha Fierce in blackface, but the magazine was quick to issue a statement before it sparked controversy.
L’Officiel writes:
“The Fashion magazine is about to celebrate its 90th birthday. To celebrate this anniversary, the festivities start with the March issue, with Beyonc├â┬⌐ on the cover. She agreed to pose for an incredible fashion shoot, with the theme of African Queen, paying a tribute to the legendary Fela Kuti. Far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce, the beauty posed for the magazine with amazing fashion designers clothes, but also in a dress created by her mother. [It is] A return to her African roots, as you can see on the picture, on which her face was voluntarily darkened. All the pictures will be available in the collector edition, on sell at the end of this month.”
We like that they released this before the actual picture were published, but we have a feeling that won’t be enough to fight off bad press.
Thoughts???
[Images courtesy of L’Officiel.]