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!
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?
Supermodel Naomi Campbell is disturbed by the lack of black models in the fashion industry and rightfully so. "I don’t want to quit modeling until I find that black models get equal prominence and recognition by the world media and information instruments" she said. She may even set up her own modeling agency in Kenya to address the issue.
Despite her top-model status, Naomi also deals with discrimination. "I even get a raw deal from my own country. For example, I hardly come on the front pages of London’s Vogue magazine." We hope the world of modeling expands its horizons soon; that way, we can diversify Fab Face.
