So, in reaction to the lack of black models on the catwalk, Vogue Italia has decided to feature black models exclusively in it’s July issue…well almost, you see, the press reports have been misleading to say the least.
Yes, Vogue Italia is dedicating this partcular issue to black models, however, it is not exclusive, instead an 80 page spread.
Hurrah! What a long way we’ve come?…or have we? It’s only taken around 50 years to do it! I find myself questioning Vogue Italia’s motives, after all, the general consensus or rather the propogandistic messages that are being pushed down our throats hold the view that Vogue are not expecting this issue to sell, in fact, they believe that it will be their worst selling issue ever.
I smell a marketing ploy!
What do they take us for? If this was the case, they would not bother to waste their time and produce the issue in the first place! Yes, there are a lack of black models on the catwalk, but as I see it, the lack of designers willing to hire black models is what we should be examining in greater detail, after all, this is not something new. The Naomis, Tyras, Alecs and Jourdannes of this world are common place in the inner cities and suburbs of many countries, but who is willing to give them a chance?!
Will this issue of Vogue Italia really change things? The very fact that Vogue feel the need to compartmentalize models of colour and put them in a ’special issue’ kinda defeats the purpose dont you think?
If you really believe in the abilities and worth of black models, put them on the front cover of your magazine more often and hire them for high profile catwalk shows, allow them to be successful in castings and don’t try to limit their progress.
Call me cynical, but it’s going to take a hell of alot more than one ‘Black Edition’ to help the plight of models of colour.
It’s time for the fashion industry to ‘work it’ and in the words of Ms Winehouse, go ‘back to black’.
