Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Vogue Italia: uno special issue dedicato alla black beauty

The long awaited Vogue Black Issue is here! Italian Vogue editor, Franca Sozzani came up with the idea after talking with Naomi Campbell, as a way to offer “space to another type of beauty.” Apparently, the fashion industry has a preference for Eastern European models with “blonde hair and long legs.” You don’t say!

Despite this being a Black Issue, there is an obvious lack of black models in the ads though ad pages were up 30% for this issue. According to the NY Times, photographer Steven Meisel says "I have asked my advertising clients so many times, ‘Can we use a black girl?’ They say no. The concern is that consumers will resist the product. It a
ll comes down to money.” Pick up a copy of Vogue India, though the articles are all about India, the ads feature Anglo models. Funny enough, NY Newstands (and even out of Town News in Cambridge) ran out of copies. This issue has been dubbed the "most wanted issue ever!"

My Italian isn't great, so I understand only a small percentage of the articles. There's an article on the new Spike Lee film, Miracle at St. Anna, the story of four black American soldiers who get trapped behind enemy lines in WWII after one of the soldiers risks his life to save an Italian boy. There’s a retrospective on Yves St. Laurent. There’s a spotlight young black models (see picture of Hollis). If that’s not enough, there are photos galore! Meisel’s spread, Modern Luxe, features Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Alek Wek, Pat Cleveland, Chanel Iman, Veronica Webb, Tyra Banks, and Karen Alexander. Ms Tocara from ANTM even gets a spread. Be sure to visit NY Times and Jezebel.com if you’re interested in seeing more pictures.

It's an expensive issue at 20 buckaroos, but it does come with a directory of Fall and Winter 2008 looks from Milano, Parigi, New York, Londra. The best looks from Alberta Ferreti to St. Laurent are spotlighted. As far as I know, The Vogue Black Issue can be bought at Trident on Newbury Street and at Out of Town News in Harvard Square.


4 Comments:

Blogger DrapedinPearls said...

I didn't even know they were coming out with this I can't wait to pick it up. I love your blog I just started reading it keep up the good work.

July 24, 2008 at 10:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

old news. this story was broken over four months ago. that being said, if you purchase magazines regularly buy this issue. If you don't, buy this issue and then never purchase another magazine again. A reprint of 10,000 copies has already been issued because it is so popular. send a message to the industry to promote diversity. a concept like this should never be this novel.

July 24, 2008 at 1:10 PM  
Blogger Ellinor Forje said...

Hey!
I'm the girl you ran into today, when I was on my way to class. I love your blog! This is the link to mine www.madifonbijoux.blogspot.com

Also, where can a girl get her hair braided around here?!

Take care.

/Ellinor

July 24, 2008 at 11:46 PM  
Blogger Martini said...

Old news yes. but the actual issue came out last week. you're right about the concept of this not being novel.

July 25, 2008 at 8:58 AM  

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