Vogue Italia Steps Out Boldly to Proclaim Black is Beautiful.
(Photo courtesy of FabSugar)
History is to be made come July as Vogue Italia is to feature a cast of exclusively Black models in its quarterly. The rumors surrounding the authenticity of this groundbreaking issue have recently been confirmed by Vogue Italia’s editor-in-chief, Franca Sozzani. Sozzani was quoted in The Independent as saying: “We are using a lot of black models, like Iman, not only the models of today – a lot of different girls.”
Sozzani’s move to embark on such a feature comes at a time where the fashion industry and advertising industry are believed to be knee-deep in prejudice towards ethnic models, especially those of African descent. On that note, Sozzani went on to add that: “Nobody is using black girls. I see so many beautiful girls and they were complaining that they are not used enough.” And rightly so since the current landscape of ads in the fashion industry is void of Black faces. Chanel Iman for Gap, Nina Keita for Old Navy, Naomi Campbell for Louis Vuitton, and Ajuma Nasenyana for Vivienne Westwood are a mere.
According to Fashionista, photographer, Steven Meisel, was behind the entire photo shoots to appear in this all-Black edition. Meisel’s hope is that this issue will spur other publications to prominently feature Black models.
Rumors continue to circulate as to whom will grace the cover of this coveted issue, with Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell tipped as favorites. Dunn, however, is confirmed to be featured in an editorial.
Sozzani’s and Meisel’s enthusiasm to push this landmark edition may be met with criticism from several audiences such as the Italian people. Even though my interaction with Italian culture was positive during my days of playing football for an Italian club, the xenophobia that plagues Italy is no hidden matter. I vividly recall a fellow teammate’s mother telling me how she was taken aback and proceeded to faint when she first met a Black person and this was in the 21st century. Sozzani is well aware of the turbulence this Vogue Italia issue could stir in her homeland, but her outlook is a commendable one: “Maybe in our country it is not the best idea. But I don’t care. I think it is not my problem if they don’t like it – it’s their problem.”
Hopefully, the intolerant mindset of some Italians is not all that is shaken by Franca Sozzani’s vision to launch this all-Black Vogue Italia edition. It does come as a surprise that American Vogue did not pip Vogue Italia to this idea given the immense amount Black culture that exists in the U.S. Either way, this July edition of Vogue Italia is a perfect leg up for all Black entities in the fashion industry and I literally can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
- Ikechukwu O.
May 10th, 2008 at 1:49 am
Very nice! Kudos to this effort on promoting black models. I think there’s much beauty and diversity to be harnessed from this ethnicity. Hopefully this spurs increased mainstream appeal for models of darker descent… if it doesn’t, fashion will remain at a loss.
May 13th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Now that’s exciting!
May 21st, 2008 at 12:16 am
I say Africa cultures/disapora should make their own fashion industry. Who says we have to have these stuck up xenophobic freaks declare us “beautiful” for us to feel good about ourselves. Ugh! Its disgusting
June 27th, 2008 at 7:32 am
It is about time that a classy magazine like Vogue featured black, beautiful models. There are so many beautiful black women around the world, including myself. Are magazines frightened to have a black model on their front cover? Do they worry about sales figures? Black is beautiful and we are unique, as we come in all shades of brown to black, isn’t that something to be proud of……I think so.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Where and When will I be able to purchase this “History Making” July issue of Italian Vogue?
August 1st, 2008 at 6:57 am
I was not able to get a copy of the July issue of Italian Vougue, every where i went was sold out. where can i get a copy.
Thank you
August 10th, 2008 at 4:39 am
WHY IN 2008 are we still making a big deal out of BLACK THIS BLACK THAT? I think the more we progress as the human race - the more primitive we get. Now they make it dramatic by having it ALL BLACK like a theme of sorts - what about consistanly having a balance of both races in all the issues! I am SOOOOOOOOOOO bored of this black black black nonesense - it is so played out and outdated - why can’t we just let it go my word its enogh now really…
August 11th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Mimi,
I disagree with you. Why is it that all the races (except blacks) are entitled to talk about whatever bother them without being told to keep quiet? As soon as Blacks open their mouths to verbalize issues that are REAL and that AFFECT their lives, loud voices like Mimi’s order ALL BLACK PEOPLE to shut up????
If you are bored of what you call “black black black nonsense” maybe you should exclusively read/visit white white white magazines/blogs which apparently are not (according to you) “played out and outdated”.
I thank whoever posted this interesting article about “all black Vogue”. And to all blacks out there who love their BLACKNESS, please never stop talking about it, loving it and praising it.
Having said that, I totally agree with Jade’s comment, quote: “I say Africa cultures/disapora should make their own fashion industry. Who says we have to have these stuck up xenophobic freaks declare us “beautiful” for us to feel good about ourselves. Ugh! Its disgusting”.
Well spoken Jade, let’s create our own stuffs and stop begging whites, who will never totally accept us anyway, to include us in their world! Look at Black Entertainment Television (USA), Ebony/Jet (USA), Essence (USA) etc. and be inspired!!! Forget about Vanity Fair, Vogue, Elle…Whites created those magazines and like it or not, THEY HAVE THE RIGHT to keep it mainly or exclusively WHITE. Those are THEIR creations, THEIR companies. It is up to magazine such as UZURI, FASHION AFRICA and other “supposedly” black magazines to promote BLACKS designers, models, photographs and so forth. So LET’S GET THE JOB DONE!
August 11th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
And I would like to add this: I have never heard anyone (apart from far-right fanatics) tell Jewish people to shut up about their history because “it is so played out and outdated”…(fill the blank!).