Last year, Italian Vogue editor Franca Sozzani made the bold decision to feature only Black models in its July issue. It was a powerful statement to illustrate the lack of diversity in the fashion industry, the Summer issue entirely dedicated to the woman of color quickly flew off the shelves. Fast forward to July 2009, and the mag is not dedicated to Black models, but it does feature the Black Barbie. Some believe that this is a clever promotion for the "So In Style" line of Barbie's due to be released soon. This new line of Barbie's will feature fuller lips, wider noses, distinctive cheek bones, and curly hair; they are said to have more accurate characteristics. There are those that may conceive the idea of devoting magazine spreads to dolls as novel, but I think this further shows the need for variedness, and it's a deliberate snub to the capable Black models that should have graced the pages, and gotten paid to do so.
-The Style Maven
Photo Credit: NY Mag
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