Critics attacked the quality of the photograph and some suggested the image downplayed Ms Harris’s status as the first non-white vice-president elect. Last month Donald Trump angrily complained his wife Melania hadn’t featured on the front pages of any major US magazine during his presidency.
Vogue released two cover designs for the issue both featuring Ms Harris and the caption “Madam Vice President! And The New America.”
In the first image Ms Harris is pictured wearing a black jacket and trousers along with a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor boots.
For the second the future vice-president models a light blue Michael Kors suit above a grey top.
It is unclear which image will feature on the printed front cover, or whether both will.
According to the New York Post Ms Harris and her team selected the outfits and her makeup.
On December 26 President Trump shared an article by the conservative Breitbart News attacking “elitist snobs in the fashion press” for keeping Melania “off the covers of their magazines for four consecutive years.”
The article described Melania as the “most elegant First Lady in American history”.
Referring to his wife Mr Trump added: “The greatest of all time. Fake News!”
According to the New York Post Ms Harris and her team selected the outfits and her makeup.
On December 26 President Trump shared an article by the conservative Breitbart News attacking “elitist snobs in the fashion press” for keeping Melania “off the covers of their magazines for four consecutive years.”
The article described Melania as the “most elegant First Lady in American history”.
Referring to his wife Mr Trump added: “The greatest of all time. Fake News!”
“Anna Wintour [Vogue editor] must really not have Black friends and colleagues.”
Writer Charlotte Clymer said: “Folks who don’t get why the Vogue cover of VP-elect Kamala Harris is bad are missing the point.
“The pic itself isn’t terrible as a pic. It’s just far, far below the standards of Vogue.
“They didn’t put thought into it. Like homework finished the morning it’s due. Disrespectful.”
She later added: “There’s no theme to the pic. It’s like they said: “Okay, yeah, we’ll grab this sheet and stick it in the background. Ma’am, can you wear the Chucks to give it some pizazz? Great, that’s good enough. Okay, moving on.”
“For a cover photo of the first woman VP.”
Both photographs were taken by Tyler Mitchell, who shot to fame after picturing Beyonce for the publication in 2018.
Speaking to the New York Post Vogue strongly denied rumours it had lightened Ms Harris’s skin.
It also pointed out the leading Democrat had control over what clothes she wore for the shot.
Joe Biden will be inaugurated as US president on January 20, following weeks of turmoil which saw the Capital Hill building stormed by Trump supporters in an incident which left five people dead.