Changing Fashion


In addition to focusing on clothing and bargains, I’m always thinking about fashion and ideas—how to move from attire A to endeavor B. I’m also always giving thought to how fashion changes how we view the world and how the world views us. Having said that, an announcement about an upcoming issue of Italian Vogue really caught my eye since the issue will only include black models.
What changes might it prompt? I wonder how long it takes for these alterations at the higher levels of the fashion industry to affect those of us here in the everyday trenches? And beyond the big questions, how would seeing that particular issue of Vogue influence internal feelings and day-to-day approaches to fashioning? What do you think?
The New York Times—Conspicuous by Their Presence

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21 Comments

  1. June 19, 2008 / 4:16 pm

    Vogue is very powerful! It sounds fantastic to show only black models. 2 of my best mates are black and I so envy their skin tone —- glowing all the time! Their mums have almost no wrinkles at age of 50 something!

    In general, black models have very beautiful shapes! They are not like chopsticks! They are thin but toned and have curves!

    I hope these magazine can really promote some beautiful women, not just same faces everyday! Give chance to let various look growing and show some individuality!

    Dear, I love you in those dresses! Very very pretty! The black one is more elegant and the white one is more romantic xxxxxxxx

  2. June 19, 2008 / 5:22 pm

    The white dress is super cute. You look cute in both of them! x

  3. June 19, 2008 / 5:59 pm

    Unfortunately magazines like Vogue and even Lucky don’t cater to those of us that are (a)living on a budget and (b) not a single digit size. Now add to that the fact that a person of color rarely graces the cover or featured in a significant spread. It’s frustrating. Long story short, they choose to ignore me, I choose to ignore them. :o/

  4. June 19, 2008 / 6:05 pm

    P.S. You know I love both dresses…and no luck at the next closest Marshall’s either. :o/

  5. June 19, 2008 / 6:36 pm

    the fashion comes and goes, but its always so great to see something really new on the catwalk…but it don´t happen a lot….

    a kiss!

  6. June 19, 2008 / 6:46 pm

    It’s a great step for Vogue to devote an issue entirely to black models. What would be even better is if fashion magazines in general, especially the big ones, did a better job of showcasing women of all races and ethnicities. Not to mention showing what clothes look like on women whose sizes aren’t in the negative digits. In my opinion, fashion editors have a long way to go, but at least they seem to be trying.

  7. June 19, 2008 / 7:21 pm

    hmm im not sure about this new only black models vogue. Surely if vogue made an issue with only white models that would be called racist? Im not saying that making an issue with just black girls is racist because in my opinion it really isnt but if it switched round then i’m sure there would be great controversy in the news etc and i agree completely with ‘ohthatgirl’ for those who arent single digit sized and arent millionaires vogue seems to ignor them, hmm i think this may be a new post of mine? its interesting and controversial all at the same time, i’m interested in peoples opinions on this – it makes a great post weldone! xx

  8. June 19, 2008 / 10:53 pm

    Well if it does indeed catch on, I hope using black models won’t just be a passing trend and they’ll be a more dominant, permanent presence in fashion.

  9. June 20, 2008 / 12:57 am

    Believe it or not many magazines often do feature only white models. So for vogue to feature only black models is flipping the switch but in a good way. Why is it that when we flip through a magazine that has only white models we don’t think twice but when it is all black models a huge announcement has to be made. Just food for thought.

    I think that magazines like vogue are about finding ways to channel your inner “vogue”. And find ways to translate it. Remember when vogue first started featuring belts (for places other than you belt loops) and now belts are common place (well for some people like me).

    I love both dresses and actually did see your black dress in my local Marshalls.

    Great post by the way

  10. June 20, 2008 / 12:58 am

    Vogue is powerful, but it’s not that powerful. We all have minds of our own and if you choose to let Vogue sway hoow me feel and what not then… mmm… I don’t know.

  11. June 20, 2008 / 6:06 am

    I really hope that the Italian Vogue change will prompt a new era of a more diverse modeling world.

  12. June 20, 2008 / 5:22 pm

    I think it’s a great idea to show black models. Show how beautiful they are. I hope that it really promotes them.

    Love the dresses btw

  13. June 21, 2008 / 12:35 am

    I think it’s great that Italian Vogue is publishing an issue with only black models. Many African-American modeling icons have expressed concerns about the lack of “color” if you will on the catwalk and in the pages of the fashion mags. I’ve noticed it too since I have been around long enough to remember when the era of the black model came about in the 80’s. The fact that they’re mostly MIA is painfully obvious.

    I hope that this is a step, albeit a small one, in the right direction for the sake of diversity. Since none of us, white, black or otherwise, are going anywhere, we all need to be represented equally in every industry.

    You look wonderful in both dresses.

    Smooches!

  14. June 21, 2008 / 9:24 am

    I think its great they are doing that cover, they look marvelous. Love your dresses!

  15. June 22, 2008 / 1:30 am

    I question why it’s taken the industry so long to catch up with general consensus that there isn’t enough ‘colour’ in fashion! How this impact the wider fashion community will be interesting. Is ‘black the new black?’ or are the Italian’s trying to make a subtle comment on a much bigger and more political issue?

  16. June 22, 2008 / 3:54 am

    What I love about that Vogue issue is that they’re using all black models.

    What I don’t love is that they’ll probably return to the old ways after the issue is put to bed—the old way being using mostly white models.

    I hope this is not the case. I read an article about it in the NYT, and thought “it’s about time.” Time to mix it up. Time to represent the population as it IS. Time to give some beautiful women a chance. Tiem to present some new faces. Time to make some changes already.

    Fingers crossed that this move creates shockwaves in the industry. It’s too vanilla right now. Okay, sorry, off my soapbox.

    Those are my two favorite dresses.

  17. June 23, 2008 / 6:57 pm

    Hey, Cutie Pie
    You’ve been tagged. Visit me if you want to participate.

    Love ya,
    Ciao Bella!

  18. June 24, 2008 / 1:43 pm

    I think blogs, such as Economy of Style, are giving fashion mags like Vogue a run for their money. On fashion blogs, we can see women from all walks of life expressing their individual style, with limitless possibilities. In comparison, Vogue is so limited in scope and creative ideas.

    I say mags like Vogue are going the way of the dinosaur…EXTINCT.

  19. June 26, 2008 / 6:05 am

    Adorable !!

    Which brand the first one ??

    Gorgeous !!