>> THE MODELIZER—We've seen her cover shot, and now the first editorial image of Jourdan Dunn from the July 2008 Vogue Italia issue has appeared. Plan your newsstand trip now: The issue is officially out tomorrow. [Telegraph UK]
>> Color is in this Summer, and it doesn't stop with the all-black July 2008 issue of Vogue Italia. It looks like the hype may have jumpstarted something . . . if nothing else, a fad, at least.
Rather than using a reprint for the cover shot like they usually do, Harper's Bazaar Korea chose to run a stunning original image of Korean top models Lee Hyun Yi, Han Hye Jin, and Daul Kim for their July 2008 issue (left). And now, there are rumors swirling that the men's Lanvin show next week has an "all-ethnic" cast . . .
*image: source
>> THE MODELIZER —Arlenis Sosa Pena, who hails from the Dominican Republic and just got signed to Marilyn in March, doesn't speak a wink of English. The girl is hot — she's already joined Oscar de la Renta at his Costume Institute Gala table and appears in the July issues of both Vogue Italia and Vogue. Funny, though, she was interviewed for Vogue's July article "Is Fashion Racist?" but they didn't bother to get her a translator; Models.com, on the other hand, had no problem rustling up a translator for their impromptu video with Arlenis . . . [The Cut, Models.com]
*image: source
A while back, we announced something groundbreaking: the July issue of Vogue Italia would feature all black models. While I don't think it should be a big to-do, because this should be happening anyway, unfortunately it is and it's not happening. This rides on the heels of the runways being so white washed as of late. And let's not forget the late and great Yves Saint Laurent, who encouraged the use of African-American models and launched the career of Naomi Campbell.
The proofs are in! Naomi, Jourdan Dunn, Liya Kebede, and Sessilee Lopez can all call themselves cover girls because each has a separate cover, photographed by Steven Meisel. Not to pin these gorgeous gals against one another, but just as friendly competition, which Vogue Italia cover do you think is most Fab? And while we're on the subject — do you think this is a step in the right direction for model diversity?
>> What a way to ring in a new day . . . and hopefully a new age. The first photos from the much-hyped July 2008 "black issue" of Vogue Italia have dropped. The cover looks to be a four photo foldout, with vets Liya Kebede and Naomi Campbell joining up-and-comers Jourdan Dunn and Sessilee Lopez for top honors.
From the cover teaser words, expect more of the same mix of the experienced (Alek Wek, Alva Chin, Gail O'Neil, Iman, Kiara Kabukuru, Karen Alexander, Tyra Banks, Veronica Webb, Yasmin Warsame, Pat Cleveland) and the new blood (Arlenis Sosa Pena, Chanel Iman, America's Next Top Model contestant Toccara Jones) inside.
Enjoy your first peek in the gallery below.
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>> INSIDER WIRE —Well I never: Steven Meisel is rumored to have shot a reality star for Vogue Italia, and an America's Next Top Model alumna, at that. [TI]
Update: Apparently it's Toccara for the July 2008 issue. [Fashionista]
>> THE MODELIZER —Plan your newstand run now: The September 2008 issue of Vanity Fair is set to be supermodel extravaganza, with Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Claudia Schiffer all making their way into the pages. Linda is said to be a strong contender for the September VF cover, and she's also back on set with Steven Meisel for another Vogue Italia shoot — yep, it's very soon after this month's cover. Ayyyy! [TI, TI]
Reading Vogue Italia before the Badgley Mischka Resort 2009 show; New York, June 10.
*images: source
Franca Sozzani with Bruce Weber, Bruce Weber Presents Let's Get Lost After Party; London, June 5.
*images: source
If there is anything cuter than a gaggle of smooshy Pugs running all over a posh mansion, sipping tea, and showing off their super long tongues like in this month's Vogue Italia, then please let me know! Fellow animal lover Fab gave me the heads up on the cutie-patootie pugs, who are posing with the gorgeous supermodel Linda Evangelista in this high brow June spread. But pup models aren't strictly an Italian trend, Pomeranians are found playing in the pages of the June issue of Vogue here in the states, too! This is definitely a fashion trend I don't mind seeing – animals as models, not as clothes. Nothing against the beautiful Linda E., but I'd pick up the mag just to see the tubby puppies!
Check out the rest of the pages, courtesy of Fashion Week Daily in the slideshow. Warning: it's totally "Awwww!" inducing!
