I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the July issue of Italian Vogue. It's sure to be a collectors issue. Featuring all Black models photographed by Steven Meisel in an attempt to speak to the racial prejudice that has so long been prevalent in the fashion industry. The New York Times wrote about it here. Being a Black girl that got her first subscription to Vogue at age twelve the article said nothing that I didn't already know and feel about the Black Out in the fashion industry.
I have to say. I applaud Italian Vogue for doing this but am so sad that it had to be done and am really sad that it was not done my own own American Vogue. Yeah they were nice enough to do a little piece on the subject in the July issue and feature a couple of "new" ethnic faces for that piece but that was it. Not another brown skinned girl in the editorial section. And did we need another star on the cover? Nicole Kidman, as fine as actress as she is, did not need that cover. Let's give fashion back to the fasionistas.
It almost makes me long for the days of the Fashion Cafe. At least then we had some distinct faces in fashion.
That said beauty is beauty and it comes in all shapes sizes and colors and it's time for the world, especially the fashion world to get on board with that before it starts to hit then where they live. In their wallets.
Best,
Kwana
PS- Bravo is back tonight with Shear Genius. Yay!
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14 comments:
I'm psyched about Shear Genius and I'm also tired of actresses taking the place of models on magazine covers. Really, we see enough of them. Show me a fabulous outfit instead!
I'd also like to point out that it's not that surprising Italian Vogue did this issue. My dad has said for years that being Sicilian isn't much different than being high yellow. lol
Hey, you got any Italian blood in you? We might be related...
Not sure if we're relates Kristen but you never know it's strange how we've led these parallel lives. I think I have French blood though.
We'll have to compare notes on Shear genius. Can't wait!
I have a post set to go on this for Friday, Kwana. More proof that we share a brain. And I can't wait to see 100 pages of this issue!!
I love sharing a brain with you Melissa! I can't wait to read your post!
I wish that Ugly Betty would comment on this. Wilhemina Slater becoming editor of Mode is a huge thing for an African-American woman. And while I will definitely be buying this issue, I'm disappointed that no major American fashion magazine has stepped up to the plate and done this, not even Marie Claire which is always big on the social issues.
Kristen, you reminded me of the scene in True Romance between Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken talking about being Sicilian and how close Sicily is to Africa.
oh i can't wait to see that magazine too! europe is actually more racially segregrated than the US but the fashion editors and magazines are certainly gutsier than the american ones. i feel the same way, being asian, that there's not a lot of diversity in magazines or we have it even harder bec you can't even find asians in movies unless its kung fu.
I'm psyched about Shear Genius too. B*tchy hairdressers. Who could ask for anything more?!
And I sincerely hope that in a few months, DD will be able to look to the highest point in America to see a face like hers when Michelle Obama becomes the First Lady.
= )
That would be a good issue for Ugly Betty Elisabeth and for Marie Claire too.
I would love it if DD could see Michelle Obama in the White House Mar!
You are so right Mommy the Robot. Asian diversity is sorely lacking.
I couldn't have said it better myself.
I can hardly wait to get my hands on it! I called my local B&N, but they don't have it yet.
I took a semester of continuing ed Italian last year, so I may be able to read a few words...very few.
Thanks Ms. Erika!
Lucky you pbw! I won't be able to read a lick.
I don't mind actresses on covers so much...it's just that a good majority of the time they don't dress themselves and couldn't piece together a fashionable outfit without the assistance of their stylist(s) if their careers depended on it.
You're right about that Emma.
I AM SO WAITING TO PICK UP A COPY OF ITALIAN VOGUE!!!! My girlfriend told me about this a couple of days and can't wait. I've even covered all of my bases. If I can't find a copy down here in podunk Florida she's going to pick one up for me in NJ.
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