Fashion guru has disrespected a tennis heroine

Visiting fashion journalist Anna Wintour has struck a dull note with her comments about tennis champion Margaret Court

Chris Kenny’s response to Anna Wintour’s outrageous speech was a welcome tonic (“Nice frock Anna — shame your ignorance has crossed the line”, 25/1). Wintour doesn’t seek tolerance, she seeks conformity. We may not all agree with Margaret Court but we should celebrate the fact she is free to articulate her thoughts.

To come to another country, accept its hospitality and then use a public platform to deliver such a blast is an insult to one’s hosts — not the ideologues in the room. Wintour may know a lot about fashion but she knows a great deal less about style.

Amanda Turner, South Yarra, Vic

Are other readers underwhelmed by criticism by an ignorant woman who happens to wear a nice frock and is apparently a fashion guru? Do others sniff that she attacks a heroine of the tennis court who won 24 grand-slam tournaments thus boosting our identity and reputation? Who encouraged followers such as Evonne Goolagong thereby lifting indigenous morale?

This set-up situation with Julie Bishop revelling in the limelight only reveals that tolerance is a one-way deal. In this new world order, a small percentage of citizens of the gender- fluid category can vilify Christians and refuse them a voice.

The irony is that many wrestled with their personal beliefs before voting in the plebiscite. Even if they saw through the glib same-sex marriage slogans, they trusted that freedom of speech would be ensured.

Ruth Bonetti, The Gap, Qld

My thanks to Anna Wintour for scratching the surface of Australian politics and diagnosing the mood of our society, but I think we will manage fine without the view from her ivory fashion tower. The fashion guru makes statements that really are beyond her scope of expertise. She should stick to promoting high-end labels and filling her magazine with underweight models.

Christopher Woodley, Vaucluse, NSW

It is evident that Anna Wintour was well and truly briefed by representatives of the LGBTI lobby prior to her character assassination of Margaret Court simply because she has a view that is opposite to the LGBTI adherents. Wintour and her supporters have their view. Margaret Court has hers. Court is much vilified because her view is different. Tolerance to views other than their own is missing.

Peter D. Surkitt, Sandringham, Vic

Anna Wintour should take a crash course in courtesy and diplomacy, particularly when she visits another country. Chris Kenny’s commentary neatly encapsulates what many in the media, politics and business are at pains to demonstrate in order to be considered followers of the latest fads.

Wintour’s comments about Margaret Court were appalling, to say the least, ignorant at its best, and a shame that virtue signalling has now been adopted as fashionable.

Hugh Francis, Portland, Vic

The comments of the fashionista regarding Margaret Court were a classic example of what George Orwell wrote in 1984. Wintour said Court’s name should be removed from Melbourne Park because her views did not fit with contemporary thought on homosexuality. Orwell’s book talked about the inner party and anyone else who had views that did not fit with the inner party were on the outer and needed re-education. Court is not allowed to have a view that is not in fashion at the inner party.

Ray Warren, Mandurah, WA

Anna Wintour should learn some manners. She should go back to the US and stay there until she learns to respect the countries she visits as a guest. Mouthing off about our Prime Minister and Margaret Court is out of place. It is rude and disrespectful to her hosts. Those who applauded her are no better.

John George, Terrigal, NSW

Of course that visiting frock rack would get stuck into Margaret Court — one of our greatest heroines — and then launch herself into the politics of the country she is visiting. On being introduced to the Queen, Anna Wintour demonstrated her ignorance by hiding behind her dark glasses.

What are the sunnies hiding? Two burning coals of intolerance? Hauling her over those coals might teach her a bit of protocol.

Stephanie Millar, Cremorne, NSW