Authors
Kushel HM is a mechanical engineer-turned-journalist, who loves all things football, tennis and films. He was with the news desk at the Hindustan Times, Mumbai, before joining Newschecker.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
China chooses a design inspired by the Palestinian flag for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, to be held from July 26 to August 11.
The archived version of the tweet can be seen here.
Fact
Newschecker noticed a watermark reading “Vogue” at the bottom-right corner of the viral image, indicating it may have been shot for the fashion and lifestyle magazine. We also ran a keyword search for “Palestine China Olympics”, which did not lead us to any credible reports featuring such a photo or design.
We then ran a reverse image search, which led us to this article by online platform Fashionotography, dated September 13, 2024, featuring the same photo. “In a brilliant blend of sports fervour and high fashion, Vogue China’s September 2023 issue takes an inspired leap. Led by the audacious Margaret Zhang, the issue pays homage to the eagerly awaited Asian Games in Hangzhou,” read the article.
According to the write-up, Chinese top model He Cong graces the cover, captured masterfully by Leslie Zhang’s lens, where Cong dives into the world of archery, making a powerful statement about athleticism and grace. “Styled by Chinese Vogue‘s deputy fashion director Vivienne Sun with creative direction from Matt McDonald, Cong’s look is highlighted by a mesmerising emerald scarf by Robert Wun, juxtaposed against dazzling Bulgari gems. The ensemble is accentuated by the deft touches of hair stylist Zhao Wenzhi, make-up artist Yooyo Keong Ming and manicurist Nana,” further read the article.
Similar write-ups and social media posts from August-September 2023 can be seen here, here and here, reiterating that Vogue China had dedicated its September 2023 edition to the spirit of athleticism in celebration of the Hangzhou Asian Games, which was held between September 23, 2023 to October 8, 2023. Instagram posts, dated August 26, 2023, by Vogue China, seen here and here, further confirm that the viral image was part of the magazine’s photoshoot for the September 2023 issue celebrating sports and that it was not a political statement.
Also Read: Man Making Pro-Islamic Speech In Viral Video Is Not The New Justice Minister In UK Govt
Result: False
Sources
Fashionotography article, September 13, 2023
Instagram post, Vogue China, August 26, 2023
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Authors
Kushel HM is a mechanical engineer-turned-journalist, who loves all things football, tennis and films. He was with the news desk at the Hindustan Times, Mumbai, before joining Newschecker.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
