While the majority of fashion magazines continue to use predominantly white models, Vogue Italia is setting itself apart. The July issue of the quarterly publication will feature almost all black models photographed by Steven Meisel. While of-the-moment model Jourdan Dunn (left) will be featured inside, it remains to be seen who the title of cover girl will go to.
"We are using a lot of black models, like Iman, not only the models of today – a lot of different girls," Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzani said. When asked why she decided to do this, she said: "Because nobody is using black girls. I see so many beautiful girls and they were complaining that they are not used enough."
This issue may potentially be ill-received in Italy, but Sozzani doesn't care. "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." You tell 'em Franca!
La Perla
Ally Capellino
Emporio Armani
that's a great step forward - kinda surprising that it's coming from Italy, but hey every little bit helps. there are countless great black models, really don't know why they are under-utilised.
1that's a great step forward - kinda surprising that it's coming from Italy, but hey every little bit helps. there are countless great black models, really don't know why they are under-utilised.
2oops double post.
3Im so so happy someone is taking note of this- Cheers to you Vogue Italia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4That's a GREAT idea!!! Kudos to Franca and Vogue Italia for making such waves!!! I would totally buy that publication!!!
5Kudos to Franca!!!!!
6i like her attitude. i don't understand why other mags don't use more diversity - i mean i'm white but i don't care if the models are not- pretty is pretty in my opinion!
7AMEN! This wonderful!!! I hope more designers and magazines are taking notes!
I would love love love a copy of this issue.
8Love it! Maybe one day it won't have to be so deliberate.
9I am very excited to see this issue. I don't care how I have to order it, I will! Hopefully those Italian lessons will pay off.
10It's a nice idea and all, but I'm hoping it doesn't become some sort of "tokenism" issue. I'd be more impressed if I picked up issues of Italian Vogue in the future and consistently saw more non-white models being used.
But still, props to the EIC for trying to do something.
11I wish they would do this in American Vogue.
12I actually would buy more fashion magazines if more models/actors looked like me, but I refuse to do that until this changes. I stopped buying fashion magazines a long time ago as a teenager because I got sick of looking at models that do not appeal to me in any form or fashion...cookie cutter thin bony and not attractive! If we want things to change in the fashion industry in terms of diversity and ideals of beauty, then we as consumers need to make a more proactive stance.
13good for Vogue Italia!
14I'd love to have a copy of this awesome magazine!
This is a really good idea, but I think it's very sad that it is necessary. Like gigill I hope it will lead to a permanent change, and not just be a one time thing.
15It would definitely be nice to see ALL models given equal time in fashion publications. I think Franca is making an excellent start, hopefully, if the issue sells well, this can be the start of wonderful changes.
16COOL.... It's nice to see a different shade of fashion... a shade that reflects who I am
17A little bit more variety wouldn't hurt. I'm technically white (but Hispanic) and I don't really care about color or see why not have some more variety. A good model is a good model.
18Ummm...
19I think this is cool. I roll my eyes at magazines who feel good about themselves because they feature a non-white model here and there. No one can accuse them of being discriminatory, but the magazine is still heavily white.
I like Franca's idea because she's in your face about it. It's challenging. And that's what the token black model in one measly editorial doesn't have the power to be anymore.
It's a start. And besides, "Black Spring"? Well it's very avante garde isn't it?
20Honestly, I'm surprised that people in Italy wouldn't appreciate seeing Black models in Vogue. Italian men love Black women and Italian women admire Black women's features. I was a "hit" over in Rome, Italy with men and women!!! Trust me, I'm not being conceited either. I'm just trying to prove a point. Black is and will always be beautiful. It's about time people acknowledge that.
21Anna Wintour could learn a thing or two from the team at Vogue Italia.
22I think it's about time. Beauty is more than blonde hair and blue eyes.
23forcin it wont change nothin
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