Fans Fail to Realize Kendall and Gigi’s ‘Photoshop Fail’ Is Intentional

Fans believe Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid have been photoshopped on the cover of W magazine. (Photo: Jason Kibbler)
Fans believe Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid have been Photoshopped on the cover of W magazine. (Photo: Jason Kibbler)

Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner look flawless on the cover of W magazine’s 10th anniversary art issue — apart from the small detail that their knees bizarrely appear to be missing.

In what some are calling the latest Photoshop fail circulating the Internet, the top models and best friends are on the cover smiling and decked out in printed Louis Vuitton dresses and sandals. It’s impossible not to notice their Barbie-like legs and missing kneecaps, which makes one question whether the move was intentional or not, as any Photoshop expert would probably notice such a big error.

However, it’s important to into take account that the magazine’s project, dubbed “placebo pets,” is the brainchild of renowned digital artists Lizzie Fitch and Ryan Trecartin. Within the artistic spread, the models are purposely digitally altered and morphed into humanoid creatures. Although the cover lacks the distinct editing that’s obvious in other shots, it’s hard to believe that such a mistake could have been overlooked. It’s likely part of the artist’s vision for the project.

Fans of the megastars were quick to notice the detail and jumped to Twitter to sound off. Some did not seem to understand that many other images in the shoot were digitally altered as part of the overall design theme.

The artists’ vision for the cover clearly was not understood by many viewers. In a statement issued to BuzzFeed, a spokesperson for W said, “The images of Kendall and Gigi are part of a project by artists Lizzie Fitch and Ryan Trecartin, who are known for their deliberate use of digital technology, combining distortions with makeup and prosthetics.”

This spread isn’t the first time the top models have been caught up in a Photoshopping scandal. The freckles that famously cover Hadid’s stomach were Photoshopped out of her Vogue China cover earlier this year. It’s unclear whether the model had any part in the decision, as she’s spoken about how she loves her beauty marks.

“A lot of people get mad at me when they’re Photoshopped out. But I don’t want them Photoshopped. If they are, that’s the client’s decision. I love them,” the star shared with Allure.

Jenner was also involved in a Photoshop scandal when Famous magazine allegedly Photoshopped cellulite onto the back of her legs. Neither Jenner nor Hadid has released a statement about the W cover.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.