Radhika Jones is set to become the next editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair at the end of this year, the first woman to lead since Tina Brown in 1992. She brings to the esteemed magazine an impressive resume: Harvard and Columbia alum, deputy managing editor of Time, and most recently editorial director of the New York Time's book department. Yet she was privately snubbed by staff for what was deemed a fashion faux pas at her first company meeting.
"An exceptionally talented editor"
“Radhika is an exceptionally talented editor who has the experience and insight to drive the cultural conversation — balancing distinctive journalism with culture and humor,” said Bob Sauerberg, president and chief executive officer of Condé Nast, publisher of Vanity Fair.
“Her experience covering news and entertainment has given her a thorough understanding of the importance of chronicling and celebrating the moments that matter. With her expansive worldview, I know she will guide Vanity Fair’s history of provocative and enduring storytelling well into its future.”
Needless to say, Jones is thrilled to begin:
"I'm honored and excited to succeed Graydon Carter as editor in chief of @VanityFair."
Unfortunately, others in the office are not as thrilled.
Not impressed by her experience and educational pedigree, or her ambitious vision for the publication, an unnamed fashion editor criticized Jones' chosen outfit and sense of style. According to a Women's Wear Daily report, this editor fixated on cosmetic zippers and tight pants illustrated with cartoon foxes while chatting with friends in the office.
“She seemed nervous. The outfit was interesting,” the staffer noted. According to the fashion editor — who omitted Jones’ admirable literary accomplishments from conversation — the incoming editor wore a navy shiftdress strewn with zippers, a garment deemed as “iffy” at best.Jones’ choice of hosiery proved most offensive, according to the editor. For the occasion, Jones had chosen a pair of tights — not in a neutral black or gray as is common in the halls of Vogue — but rather a pair covered with illustrated, cartoon foxes.
That's right: They snubbed her for wearing fox tights.
The animal caricatures may have also been too much for Vogue editor in chief and Condé Nast artistic director Anna Wintour, who is said to have fixed one of her trademark stoic glares upon Jones’ hosiery throughout the duration of the staff meeting.Unnerved by Jones’ choice of legwear — and Wintour’s reaction — the fashion editor proclaimed to her friends: “I’m not sure if I should include a new pair of tights in her welcome basket.” Jones is said to begin her new role on Dec. 11.
Outraged, Twitter came to Jones' defense.
Speaking of hosiery...
Fox tights, the new feminist icon.
The fox-themed tights soon became a symbol of the resistance against sexism and misogyny.
Sadly, the brand of tights Jones wore sold out online shortly after.
But that didn't stop women from finding other fox-themed stockings and leggings.
And at least one person hopes Jones will clean house at Vanity Fair.
They have had it with the gender bias.
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h/t: New York Times, WWD
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