Pretty young things

I'm sure most of you have seen the cover of I-D's Sept. issue starring Chanel Iman, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Arlenis Sosa. But since we don't see covers featuring black models often, I wanted to post the cover here.

And WHAT a cover it is! i-D's covers are usually really saucy, with models winking and giving smoldering looks. This one is no exception.

The colours really catch my eye. I love the metallic makeup on the models' skin contrasted with the graffiti background. It's such a sexy cover.

I haven't bought the issue yet so I don't know what's inside or whether the girls give interviews (I hope they do) but the cover alone makes me want to buy it.

i-D usually has that effect on me; the covers always lure me in. Like this one. Models winking! They get me everytime!





So here is a behind-the-scenes video of the girls at the i-D shoot:

Change in the fashion industry? Yes, at Givenchy

When I was flipping through the photos of the Givenchy Fall 2008 Couture collection, I thought there was some mistake. The first three models to walk the show were ethnic (Indian and Black.) After newcomer Sessilee Lopez walked, I had a second of madness where I thought the whole show would be filled with non-white models. Of course that didn't happen, and Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Lakshmi Menon were the only ethnic models in the show, but three is usually three or two ethnic models that shows usually have. And the fact that all three opened the show is really different and I hope a sign that the industry is finally listening to the rest of us: That there needs to be more ethnic models in Western fashion.
Let's see what happens when the ready-to-wear season begins. (Photos: Style.com)

Lakshmi Menon

Jourdan Dunn
Sessilee Lopez

First look at all-black Vogue Italia

Cathy Horyn got a preview of July Vogue Italia that features only black models, a first for a mainstream fashion magazine. The July cover stars four models- Jourdan, Liya, Sessilee Lopez and Naomi, and other models in the issue include Iman, Alek Wek, Pat Cleveland, Chanel Iman, Veronica Webb, Tyra Banks, and Karen Alexander.
Cathy also interviewed some of the people who helped put together the issue.
Will this make bookers cast more ethnic people for shows and shoots? I doubt it (thanks Miuccia) but maybe this will show them the range of beautiful and talented black models that are out there. I have a feeling that this will be seen as a fad that will garner media attention for maybe a month but will be forgotten by the next issue or the next controversy. It's a shame.


(Photos: Vogue/New York Times)

Chanel Iman

Love her. Love the little red riding hood coat. Love the Chanel Cambon bag (I have it! I can relate!) Love the crinkly boots. Damn I wish I had her legs. (Photo: Teen Vogue)