BLACK IN FASHION

Italian Vogue, one of the most influential fashion magazines in the world, has chosen to feature only black female models in its next issue, as well as focusing all its features on black women from the worlds of art and entertainment. The issue will feature a host of highly successful and beautiful black models such as Iman, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Jourdan Dunn, Liya Kebede, Alek Wek, Pat Cleveland and Karen Alexander, all captured by uber-photographer Steven Meisel.


The cover. From L-R: The ever elegant Ms. Liya Kebede, Newcomer Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn (18 years old and she's from London! Get 'em girl!) and, of course, Naomi 'The Ageless Wonder' Campbell.




Undoubtedly this issue will cause some controversy, but I think as a concept it's long overdue. The fashion industry's reluctance to use black or other 'minority' models is well-documented and ridiculously outdated...So when such a major publication takes such a clear anti-discrimination stance it can surely only be a good thing?





Tyra: Has she still got it? I think so.


One of the most interesting aspects of this issue is its inspiration: Editor Franca Sozzani has cited Barack Obama and the Presidential Race as providing the catalyst for the initial idea which, when you think about it, is kind of mindblowing. An American Senator who has the ability to inspire an Italian fashion magazine to want to challenge racial stereotypes? Imagine what this man is going to do when he becomes President! And yes, I did use 'when' and not 'if'. 'Cause let's face it, who can really bear to consider the alternative?

Source.