Vogue Italia

>> Although it's too soon to tell what kind of lasting impact the all-black issue of Vogue Italia might have, preliminary indications that it had an effect are there. 

Just this morning, Fashionista reported that Lancome signed VI model Arlenis Sosa Pena as their new face.  If true, she joins Daria Werbowy in what is sure to be a lucrative, high-profile position for the company — outstanding for a newcomer like Arlenis. 

More big news this morning for the July VI  flock: Topshop announced VI cover girl Jourdan Dunn, along with Karlie Kloss, Kori Richardson, and Amanda Laine, as their Fall 2008 campaign girls — another sure-to-be-well-paying, high-profile campaign (images below).

Finally, The Imagist recently reported that advertising clients are already asking casting agents to be more "inclusive" for their future ad campaigns, as a result of all the attention Vogue Italia has gotten.  The industry appears to be moving in the right direction, but only time will tell.  Now, how about some more attention for girls like Lakshmi Menon and Daul Kim?

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By now you've heard the hype and seen the covers of Vogue Italia's all black July issue. Now, step inside the magazine to experience some of the powerful editorials shot by Steven Meisel. Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Liya Kebede, Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman (left), and Sessilee Lopez are all a part of this groundbreaking movement, each bringing to the table their own unique presence. Repeat after me: Black is beautiful!

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>> Yasmin Warsame has come full circle. Her first big break in came in 2002, when Steven Meisel shot her for an editorial inVogue Italia.  Here she is, six years later, shot for the historic all-black July 2008 issue of Vogue Italia, by Steven Meisel once again. (NSFW)
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>> Time for July 2008 Vogue Italia editorial roll call.  Cover shots?  Check. Naomi Campbell in all her glory?  Check.  Sessilee Lopez's black-and-white sizzler?  Check.  The multi-girl extravaganza?  Check. 

It's the beginning of the end folks — all that's left is the set featuring Toccara Jones, Yasmin's elegant grouping, and the beauty editorial with Chanel Iman channeling Grace Jones.  Oh wait, we've already got the latter — Chanel edgier than ever before, shot by Dusan Reljin.
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>> This morning, the July 2008 Vogue Italia hit stands, and we've got the scans to prove it.  The magazine features an 11-page spread, "Elegance as a Form," with Yasmin Warsame and devotes 9 pages to America's Next Top Model alum Toccara Jones in addition to the two editorials we've already seen: Naomi Campbell's 9-page luxe spread and the 25-page ode to new girl Sessilee Lopez.

But I saved the best for last: "Modern Luxe" by Steven Meisel, spanning 15 pages, and featuring everyone from Noemie Lenoir to Kiara Kabukuru to Jourdan Dunn.

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>> Just as The Wall Street Journal promised, a couple of editorials from the July 2008 Vogue Italia appeared today, featuring two out of the four cover models.  Both sets were shot by VI perennial favorite Steven Meisel.

"There's only one Naomi" features Naomi Campbell in a luxe setting — pretty normal fashion editorial fare, nothing outstanding except a shot of her crawling on a pool table — full gallery (NSFW) below.  Sessilee Lopez's set is in all black-and-white, very Yves Saint Laurent-inspired; In fact, one shot of her in head wrap, teeth bared, reminds me of YSL favorite Waris Dirie.

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