While most of the world is in an economic downturn and major banks are collapsing in the U.S., the fashion obsessed have a new worry on their mind—getting a copy of the July issue of Vogue Italia, which is sold out at many locations and reprint orders are placed daily. The reason behind this euphoria is that this issue features only black models and therefore is titled as the “Black Issue”. Described as a historic act by various journalists at home and abroad, this is the must have item of the season. I’m sure that Conde Nast is high in spirits, but all with due respect to its editor in chief, Franca Sozzani and the almighty Steven Meisel.

Is there a meaning to all of this or is it just a creative effort to earn more newsstand money? According to Mrs.Sozzani’s interview for the New York Times, this was art and no political or cultural aspects were taken in consideration. She has indicated that the story developed after the fall collections in February when a black model named Jourdan Dunn walked the Prada fall show, making her the first black model in more than 10 years to be included in a Prada show. Blogs erupted with the news and many saw it as a breakthrough.  

Minorities have been gaining power of all sorts for many decades, but fashion has always excluded them. American Vogue featured a black model in the 70’s and made history out of it. YSL, Versace and other dominant designers have included black models in their shows and campaigns, but the rest has always resisted. Fashion is always changing, but apparently perceptions do not. Anorexia is seen as normal and starvation is the ultimate goal for 13-year-old models, who come from some of the most deserted areas of the world. They are dressed in extravagant furs, which no one really wears or in clothes that cost more than mortgages or salaries for people in developing countries. But, never mind this. 

As the American public is facing a turbulent election year, the opinions are rapidly changing regarding ethnic race. In the past, who would have thought that a black candidate would run for a president? Or that a former black model will run one of the most watched daytime shows on national television? Perhaps all of this combined with a lack of representation of black models on runways, have contributed to the grand idea of an all black issue. I applaud Mrs. Sozanni’s and Mr. Meisel’s determination to develop such a stunning issue, which celebrates everything black. 

It should be taken in consideration that while icons such as Naomi or Iman are represented, a new crop of beauties grace the pages giving nod to young hopefuls such as the Prada girl Jourdan Dunn and Sessille. Big is beautiful and shown by Toccara Jones, who won everyone’s favorite guilty pleasure “America’s Next Top Model”. Superbly sexy and seductive, she shines with attitude about curvy bodies.  

All of a sudden, black is beautiful and it should be celebrated with an all black issue. I certainly like the idea behind the issues, but to me all the black girls or rather women are stunning and should not be packaged in a small-framed magazine. Diversity is about including and loving all, not exclusion.