Vampire Weekend are facing a lawsuit from the subject of their 'Contra' cover (left). The woman in question is Ann Kirsten Kennis, who was reportedly working as a "high-fashion model" when the picture was reportedly taken in New York in 1983. While the band do possess appropriate paperwork clearing the photograph for their use, Kennis claimis that her signature was forged on the documents.
Until now, the identity of the cover's subject had been unknown, with frontman Ezra Keonig referring to her just one in a blog post as 'Kirsten', and revealing that she now lived in Malibu. The picture was chosen for the similar vibe it had to the cover of the band's self titled debut, despite having been taken 13 years apart.
Kennis is now suing the band, their label XL Recordings, as well as photographer Tod Brody to the tune of $2million, and argues that, "the album design, in which the Photograph is featured prominently, was a substantial factor in generating recognition and buzz for the Contra album, thus increasing sales and profits."
Having seen her blown up on an enormous scale with her eyes lighting up a bright blue at last weekend's Oxegen, I'd have to agree.
