Only Black Models in Italian Vogue
Author: Nina
Naomi Cambell…Iman, wife of David Bowie…how many black supermodels can you name? Truth is, since the 70’s and 80’s black models seem to be getting a raw deal in today’s fashion industry. Cambell, one of the most famous faces of the nineties, a regular British Vogue cover girl, is pretty much on her own.
But, over in Italy, something is changing. The July issue of Italian Vogue has been cleared entirely for black models. Every single item of clothing, accesories and jewellery will be modelled by black models, as well as all the other faces in the magazine being black too. The magazine is also full of articles about black women.
The centrepiece of the issue consists of over 100 photographs by the infamous photographer, Steven Meisel. The portfolio is put together as an expose of the fashion magazine editor for ignoring black beauty, or confining it to certain stereotypes in the ghetto or bling. Meisel has done so with no corny cliches, but instead has created a classy, elegant mood. The shoot features Naomi Campbell, Sessilee Lopez and Tyra Banks. Cambell looks stunning in a black cocktail dress. Lopez is featured wearing a double-breasted jacket, the most amazing hat with a truly fascinating broach. And Banks wears only a towel!
The most common reason given for not using black models is that they do not sell clothes. This simply ust isn’t true. Liya Kebede was recently booked by Estee Lauder for their campaigns and they have reported that it is selling the same as before.
It has been pointed out that the June issue of Italian Voge features no black models at all, but there are beautiful features on Chinese actresses Maggie Cheung and Lucy Liu. Italian Vogue Editor Sozzani is certainly trying to break the taboo and bring forward black models into the fashion industry.
