I don't buy Vogue every month, sometimes I feel it's a bit too pricey, expecially since you can take a look at the editorials trough communities like Foto Decadent... By the way, I don't miss the July issue (this one) and the August one that come with the wonderful separate magazine about shopping and new trends (but this is a different story...), so yesterday I spent a couple of relaxing hours with Vogue.
Well, in the end I'm not too sure they were "relaxing hours", cause in a certain way the whole thing irritate me a little, page after page.
I'm still not sure if I like or not this "black issue", if it is a smart idea or not. After all the recent talk about the lack of presence and discrimination of black models in fashion industry I'm not sure if Vogue's choice sounds like a clever one to me... A nice tribute, a sincere declaration of love to black women, a way to influence the industry in a positive way or only a too "cunning plan"...?
While I was reflecting on this issues, I stumbled upon the old editorial below, featuring Liya Kebede and André 3000. I found it here and I've no clues about where it was originally from. The only thing I know is that I love these pictures. They're beautiful shots of a wonderful black model (one of my favorite models indeed) and everything is so...natural!
When I look at these photos I enjoy the colors, the poses, the clothes and the vibe and I don't wonder if they're a cunning plan or only a good ed.
'Cause the answer is obvious...
In the end I only hope this controversial issue of Vogue will makes people talk and deeply reflect on discrimination and racial prejudice. All I hope is that it could be another step to give soon more consideration and respect to black models in the entire fashion industry.
17 commenti:
I think the magazine is wonderful in so many ways, but really shouldn't it be unnecessary by now? Shouldn't there regularily be editorials featuring models of different ethnicities but it features them because their GOOD, not just becaause the color of their skin? And I think people so often ignore the fact that the modeling industry is in fact very diverse (Brazilians, Europeans, Americans, Candians, etc) while many of the models might have similar skin tone which is making a statement about beauty, not all diversity is to be found in skin tone after all and they represent a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds!
@ the clothes horse: I totally agree with your words. You pointed out all so well! The magazine hurted me because of these issues too...a black issue sounds too politically correct in a way and too "ignorant" in another.
Interesting debate here...It's so good that you talk about this. When I saw that Vogue edition I also though of the controversy of it, and also about that "positive discrimination" they seem to use.
After thinking about the positiva and negative points that an issue like this may have, I have to say that I totally agree with you.
Good photographs? Yes!
Good editorials? Yes!
Beautiful and talented models? Always!
But not focusing on the race, only on the quality of each one's work...
Apart from all this, I've been reading your blog for a while and I really like it, although I never commented before. But I think this was a good moment to start. COngratulations, I love your posts, your creations and all this sweet and cute world that you have here.
L
Are we really still insisting on being so deliberate about pointing out race? Surely if the world was that set on endorsing equality, there would be no need to dedicate an issue to 'black' models (or Asian, Latino etc). This just verges on positive discrimination surely? Really, let's celebrate them because as an individual model, regardless of colour, they are good at what they do, not because they tick a certain ethnicity box. And if we are going to insist on slipping them into a certain ncategory, let's celebrate some of the others as well. I guess I'm just becoming a little disillusioned that in the 21st century we still need to segregate people because of how they look.
I think the issue was a good idea. It shows how many great black models there are, which shoots down the industry's myth that they just aren't out there.
I came across an online community for individual seeking interracial love. Here all the people are seeking interracial relationships. ---Blackwhitemeet.com--- You can meet your like-minded friends or partners.
This is a great post and a very debatable subject-I do like the features though, the pictures are stunning!!
Oh my! Liya and Andre? Fantastic!!!!
I understand when you said you were not sure if you like this issue or not! I mean, they have international looks, rather than classified looks, however I do appreciate Vogue has shown their love and respect of these stunning models! I love this editorial you've found! How beautiful!
I love this Naomi cover :)
a kiss
I also live in a small town without major retailers here, but most of the shops are tiny stores, thrift shops, and antique stores. I get frustrated at not having the convenience of a mall, but lately I've realized it helps me be more creative and I wear much more vintage. You dress marvelous and I admire your commitment to vintage and appropriate prices.
i agree with wendy, this issue was def. a good idea.
http://stylejungly.blogspot.com
gosh, vogue is so controversial. I think that this issue wasn't really a great idea because it consciously divided the black race and white race, which we work to unify!! On the other hand, vogue should do more to incorporate black models into their issues. Chanel Iman has been a great start this year seeigh as she is one of the years "it" girls though!
that editorial is so pretty!
lets hope that this changes things for everyones of all shapes and colors!
i really like this issue. the cover looks amazing and the spread looks really fun.
@ la clocharde: Thank you so much for your comment and sweet words about blog etc., so glad you like them! I really like when a regular reader start commenting :-)
Posta un commento