Last week, the New York Times reported that the July issue of Italian Vogue would feature only black models photographed by the famed Steven Meisel (bonus for including women of varying ages and sizes). All articles will be about black women in arts and entertainment. I have conflicting feelings about this: 1) the sneak peek photos are stunning, 2) this is a bold statement commenting on the lack of diversity in the fashion world, 3) rock on editor Franca Sozzani and Steven Meisel, 4) why didn’t U.S. Vogue come up with the idea, and 5) it’s an awesome idea but we need more.

You’d think the fashion-forward world would be more progressive, but apparently there is still a strong bias against choosing women of color to represent on magazines, runways, and entertainment. In the NY Times article, Meisel is quoted as saying, “I have asked my advertising clients so many times, ‘Can we use a black girl?’ They say no. It all comes down to money.” The inspiration for the issue comes from Barack Obama (apparently Italy loves him) and the debate regarding the lack of diversity on runways that occurred in NYC last Fall.

Beyond Naomi and Tyra, there are few black women that we are on a first name basis with. Other models featured in July’s issue are Jourdan Dunn, Sessilee Lopez, and Liya Kebede. Ever heard of them? I hadn’t, but after seeing some pics of Lopez, I think she is one of the most stunning women in fashion right now.

And what about Latinas, Asians, Middle Easterners, and all the other underrepresented races? Not to say the bevy of Brazilians and Eastern Europeans that have dominated the runway aren’t fierce, but hey fierceness is represented in all cultures. There’s plenty of catwalk to go around.

Let’s not rely on United Colors of Benetton ads to carry us. And to Hollywood and talent agencies, it’s great to see diversity in entertainment (Eva Longoria, Grace Park) but let’s not get complacent and pat yourselves on the back. There is still a lot of ground to cover…actually, to break.

Love it, hate it, or feel uncomfortable about it, I say “kudos” to Franca Sozzani, Steven Meisel and Italian Vogue for bringing all this to the forefront. Hopefully it will lead to more diversity in fashion and entertainment.

LINK TO IT

Read Robin Givhan’s piece in the Washington Post about the lack of diversity on the runway here.

The July issue of Italian Vogue will be out in Europe next week, and the U.S. afterwards. U.S. Vogue features an article that asks “Is Fashion Racist?” You can read it online now.