Italian Vogue: The Black Issue

Naomi Campbell shot for Italian Vogue by Steven Meisel.

It's finally here! Italian Vogue has stepped up and produced the first ever all black model issue! Expect to see some household names (Naomi, Tyra, Liya) and some up-and-comers (Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman, Toccara Jones - yes, from ANTM!) in this ground-breaking issue. Of course they don't neglect those that paved the way. Iman, Pat Cleveland and Veronica Webb are also featured.

One source of inspiration for this issue was actually the phenomenon of the Obama campaign. In the spirit of "change" I'm guessing editor, Franca Sozzani and photographer Steven Meisel, were ready to go out on a limb. Meisel says of the shoot, “I thought, it’s ridiculous, this discrimination... It’s so crazy to live in such a narrow, narrow place. Age, weight, sexuality, race — every kind of prejudice.” Italian Vogue editor says of her publication, “Mine is not a magazine that can be accused of not using black girls”. Some of the models in this issue have graced the cover of Italian Vogue before (Alek Wek, Naomi Campbell and Liya Kebede).

The famed photographer was given 100 pages of the magazine for this spread. Other faces you can expect to see are Alex Wek, Karen Alexander and Sessilee Lopez. The issue hits European newsstands next Thursday and will be in the United States soon after. Until then, feast your eyes on the images below, including the four collector's covers featuring Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell.

Left to right: Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell.

Reach New Heights

Liya Kebede at a recent event in New York City.

Top: Dessire, $149.95, www.stevemadden.com; Whipped, $59.99, www.ninewest.com; Zanna, $49.99, www.bakersshoes.com
Middle: Charles by Charles David Luau Wedge, $114.95, www.endless.com; Matosinhos, $295, www.aldoshoes.com; Slingback cut-out wedge, $22.99, www.gojane.com
Bottom: Champyun, $79.95, www.stevemadden.com; Chain Sculptured Wedges by Alberta Ferretti, 4895, www.net-a-porter.com; Levett, $159, www.maxstudio.com

A sping/summer wardrobe must-have is a sturdy and versatile pair of wedges. I usually play it safe and get classic wedges or espadrilles that I can wear season-after-season but this year I may indulge in an edgier pair. Cut-out heels and curvy soles are what’s hot in the streets but if you don’t want to go too new age, pick a wedge with a crazy heel and more traditional straps. This staple shoe is taking a few risks this season. Why not join them?!

Liya Kebede does Harper’s Bazaar…

Liya Kebede’s photo spread for the January 2008 issue of Harper's Bazaar is nothing short of fabulous. The elegant and classy Ethiopian model dons a series of new designer threads many of which have not been seen by the public yet. My favorite dress is the ruffled, turquoise above by Burberry Prorsum priced at a mere $1,195! See more designer duds in this slideshow then check out Jurnee Smollett and Terry Pheto’s photo shoot, for January 2008’s Vanity Fair...

1. Liya Kebede

Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Liya was scouted at an early age by a French film director who introduced her to her first modelling agency. As soon as Liya graduated from high school, she moved to France to begin her career. Liya inevitably relocated to the fashion capital of New York City, where fate would find her through Gucci designer, Tom Ford. He hired the then unknown model for his runway show and the rest is histroy! In 2003, Liya Kebede (IMG Models) was the first black woman to land the coveted cosmetics contract with Estée Lauder (the first in the company's 59-year history!) She has also graced the covers of Italian, Japanese and Spanish Vogue, V, French, Flair, i-D and Time's Style & Design. In 2005, she was appointed as the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and she also founded a foundation to support the cause. She currently lives in New York City with her husband Kassy Kebede, son Suhul and daughter Raee. To learn more about her foundation visit, www.liyakebede.com.