Africa is in vogue. Again. African print clothing and accessories are re-emerging so rapidly, it’s somewhat difficult to believe the vibrant patterns and colors weren’t always so popular.

Several are credited with bringing African-inspired clothing into the commercial fashion spotlight. Algerian-born fashion legend, Yves Saint Laurent is probably the most renowned among them, as the first to design African-inspired clothing for the runway. Laurent’s 1967 African Collection and his collaboration with supermodel Iman in his African Queen collection, are considered fashion landmarks.

Vogue Netherlands published an editorial that features white models with their faces painted black. At this point, magazines and photographers pull these types of stunts with the intent to draw criticism and boost sales, so I feel conflicted about even mentioning it. But this is a great time to think about the things we call blackface and the implications of the label.

I nearly decided not to comment on what was clearly a stunt by Numéro magazine, but silence maintains hegemony.

I've seen this photo of a 16-year-old model floating around my social media accounts for days, but I couldn't bring myself to respond. I've expended lots of energy pointing out the maliciously racist practices of fashion designers and publications in the past, and quite frankly, I'm fatigued. This is one of those battles that feels unwinnable.