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."
I'm honored and excited to succeed Graydon Carter as editor in chief of @VanityFair.— Radhika Jones (@Radhika Jones) 1510592294.0
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.
Vanity Fair's new editor, who holds a PhD, criticized for leggings https://t.co/seeXhMBB1A https://t.co/h6rI74B6Hw— Justin Miller (@Justin Miller) 1510931324.0
Outraged, Twitter came to Jones' defense.
People are assholes. Especially when they're anonymous. Doesn't mean we need to give them a platform, @wwd https://t.co/heUMoa1exG— Kate Smith (@Kate Smith) 1510934748.0
It's amazing how the dumbest minor objects have crystallized the news about women this week. Yearbooks. And now LEG… https://t.co/xXmNjzSTrk— Vivian Yee (@Vivian Yee) 1510933505.0
This story is based on one anonymous asshole and perpetuates the stereotype that all editors give a shit about how… https://t.co/gqbzObM2N0— Michelle Lee (@Michelle Lee) 1510933093.0
hosiery before brosiery— Alexandra Petri (@Alexandra Petri) 1510935374.0
Speaking of hosiery...
Fox tights, the new feminist icon.
The fox-themed tights soon became a symbol of the resistance against sexism and misogyny.
fox tights....welcome to the resistance— Jessica Roy (@Jessica Roy) 1510949420.0
Frantically googling “where to buy cartoon fox tights.”— Iva (@Iva) 1510935494.0
This morning I did not think I’d end my day by shopping for tights with a fox print on them as a small token of fem… https://t.co/fp1y6fWI1f— Rachel King (@Rachel King) 1510953263.0
Sadly, the brand of tights Jones wore sold out online shortly after.
BREAKING: Fox tights are already sold out at @ASOS!— Rachel King (@Rachel King) 1510953459.0
But that didn't stop women from finding other fox-themed stockings and leggings.
Boden makes a smart $16 pair that are a bit more minimal, a hint of fox if you will, a wink of vulpine… https://t.co/PUzWRa11xO— rachel syme (@rachel syme) 1510934484.0
if you are desperate to score the tintoretta tights that were so popular at anthro that they sold out, you can do s… https://t.co/7oIterzqKM— rachel syme (@rachel syme) 1510934641.0
And at least one person hopes Jones will clean house at Vanity Fair.
They have had it with the gender bias.
Wow, hope Radhika Jones cleans out VF’s fashion department. This is some real gendered BS right here.… https://t.co/uKJo2SiNaQ— Heidi N Moore (@Heidi N Moore) 1510931727.0
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h/t: New York Times, WWD