Vogue's First Black Issue and Faults of Fashion Week- Fall 2009

Vogue's First Black Issue












Several black models were featured in the issue:
Alek Wek
Alva Chinn
Arlenis Sosa
Chanel Iman
Gail O'Neill
Iman
Karen Alexander
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiya Kebede
Naomi Campbell
Noemie Lenior
Pat Cleveland
Sessilee Lopez
Toccara Jones




Tyra Banks
Ubah
Veronica Webb
Yasmin Warsame
And many many more....







































































It's the Fall 2009- fashion week, and I am disturbed by the abscense of brown faces on the runway. The fashion industry's melanin deficiency was noticed by Vogue magazine in last year's July issue, when they produced their very first all Black publication(...well, if you don't count the models in the ads). Although it was mainly released in Europe, the message was clear, and it's impact was heard all over the world. As the most wanted issue ever in history, it placed a significant stamp in the publishing industry. It's an official fact that African Americans will support and spend hard- earned dollars on products that support or represent us in a realistic, and aesthetically pleasing way. It's definitely a come- up for models of color, and hopefully a catalyst to a bigger representation of our community within more high-end brands. Since we definitely buy all the big-player NAMES- Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacob, Prada, Gucci, Fendi..., we should most certainly be seen in their ads and on their runways.


Although looking at most of Fashion Week's recent photos , I wonder if Vogue's hard efforts went in vain. It seems like they still don't get it. Nevertheless, we always rise above it, and conquer with time. So it won't be long, before there's more brown, cinnamon, butter pecan, and chocolate shades on the runway. I won't worry about it, as I continue to learn and focus on my jab in this industry, editing and creating my future clothing line. My Vogue issue still sits proudly on my coffee table, inspiring thousands of my whimsical sketches and bright fabric swatches...all reflections of me, my culture, and my community. Taking over the runway may take a little more time than we thought, but at least we already have the White House.

Fall Fashion Week-MORE BROWN PEOPLE PLEASE !








Monique Lhuillier
























THANKS Jason Wu! A new designer who made our first lady's inaugural ball gown.



































































































































































Photography is contributed by Elle.