Chappell Roan’s Fashion Designers: Magazines giving credit where it’s due

The editorial industry is undeniably cutthroat. From emerging artists to unpaid interns, everyone is trying to get their foot in the door and get noticed. Endless pitches, endless proof-of-concepts, endless rejections. But you know what’s worse than being ignored? Doing all that work and not getting credit. Modern magazines have acknowledged this issue and made a point to give the artists their kudos, but do they get backlash when failing to uphold that standard?

I was scrolling through my Instagram feed one morning when I came across a post featuring behind-the-scenes shots from Chappell Roan’s new music video. As I clicked through the photo carousel, I noticed some of the comments calling out Vogue, more so than sharing praise for the photographs.

They expressed their frustration and disappointment in Vogue Magazine for failing to tag or credit any of the designers for the video’s custom wardrobe. They attributed it to being Vogue’s “duty” as a fashion magazine, as well as just professionalism in general. Although some commenters replied saying they were just focusing on the music aspect, others responded saying the fashion was the whole point of the post. I scrolled endlessly only to find the same rhetoric again and again. Whether these commenters were influenced by others to make these claims, or they simply noticed the lack of credit, I was inspired by the dialogue sparked between magazines and their consumers.

Someone could argue that if they tagged everyone involved in pre-production, everyone on set, and all the editors in post-production, then the credit list would be endless. However, I’d counter that notion by pointing out that the original commenters hit the nail right on the head. If the focus of your publication, your social media presence, and brand image overall is on fashion and photography, then it’s your job to harbor a community highlighting that profession’s values. Vogue posted these pictures to highlight Chappell Roan’s eccentric and intricate costumes on set, so why not elevate those who are responsible for making it happen? Vogue had no problem tagging the interviewer and photographer, so why draw the line at fashion designers?

Genesis Webb (Chappell Roan's stylist) located the designers as Todd Thomas and John Novotny. The custom suit is credited to James Nguyen, and the hair pieces are AC Gottlieb’s work.

We were able to talk with Alexander Cole "AC" Gottlieb, one of the designers, about his thoughts on the situation. AC worked alongside James Nguyen, designing costumes primarily for theatre, when Genesis Webb reached out to them for a collaboration. 

AC mentioned feeling sad about the lack of credit from Vogue, but didn’t really think about it much. What made him feel worse, however, was the failure to mention Genesis's work and contributions to the project. “I can’t say enough good things about her,” said AC. “She always makes sure everyone is properly rewarded for their work—and she took a chance on us as small creators.” AC expressed that there are many people involved in bringing these pop culture icons to life. When Vogue features something so visually complex, it hurts that the stylist gets no mention at all. 

“What is Vogue's goal? They seem to be at a very confused place,” AC quoted. “How could you not include these emerging fashion designers? They just don’t care, and that’s what’s disappointing.” He also stated how this would have been their first "big shout-out," but the team was ultimately overlooked.

So what do you think? Is the backlash warranted, or are fans blowing the situation out of proportion? Are magazines obliged to listen to their consumer base and uplift the community they represent?