Oh Mr Meisel, did you have to?

We have inordinate respect for Steven Meisel, but this BP oil spill-inspired fashion shoot for Italian Vogue is beyond ridiculous. Here's the magazine's delusional justification for this travesty: "In the face of this dramatic, catastrophic stalling, the images of Steven Meisel make up a precious reportage that delivers an artistic impact. Unforgettable images, created purposely to unnerve the viewer, capture the reality of the situation. And through the sun's rays blackened by carbon, petrol, anthracite and graphite, he depicts our collective dismay. Model Kristen McMenamy becomes the protagonist of a news story, in the style Vogue Italia is known for." Er, if you say so darling.