It seems that Summer is the time to shine for Vogue Italy. Last year’s Black Issue was so impressive and successful that this year was somewhat reinterpreted with The Barbie Issue!
Everybody’s talking about Barbie this year, everybody’s celebrating one way or the other. But how about Black Barbies? Shouldn’t we celebrate them too? Good thing Franca Sozzani (Vogue Italy supreme editor) thought about them and highlighted the Black Barbie in a special Barbie Issue supplement to the Vogue July with McMenamy the Legend. (you got that right, the McMenamy article was just the introduction for this glorious Vogue Italy July 2009!) (more images right after the jump!)
Just looking at those marvelous models, I feel the urge to run out the door and buy me some Barbies! (it’s tough to get a house literally full with boys toys to become Barbie friendly, but not if I have something to say about it!) Just look at them sitting on those couches and teaching us how to really present lingerie! Beautiful!
This year, fashion celebrates Barbie’s 50th anniversary. So how many anniversaries do we have to count for the Black Barbies? The first Black Barbie was given to us in 1980 (the first black doll from Barbie was actually introduced in 1967 and was called Black Francie) and this year, a new black Barbie (limited edition) was introduced by Mattel. Called So In Style, S.I.S, the new Black Barbies have more accurate facial characteristics (wider nose, more prominent cheek bones and significantly curly, frizzy hair). Ignoring the limited edition downer, I wish I could get my hands on one of those Black beauties! Ahem Barbies! (via 1, 2, 3)
3 comments
These Barbies look all very lovely and desireable. But it’s a year since Black Vogue Italia. And what has changed really? They come up with A Black Barbie Vogue this year! Stop it, mix and match models.What’s next an all Asian Vogue Italia and next year the Asian Barbie Vogue Italia? Is there an Asian Barbie by the way?
Of course I do understand there are black or Asian Barbies, that’s not my point. It’s fashion using the still the same models. Or a “new face” is another look-a-like from East-Europe these days!!
Well I for one find this issue idea cute. I am not sure that I expected massive change in terms of the world of fashion using more models from visible minorities. Sadly some people think because the U. S. of A now has an African American President race and racism is no longer an issue or an important issue. There is still a long way to go. As long as we see progression and not novelty, I think that this is key.
I would like to get a copy of this issue as sadly I could not get a copy of last year’s Black model Italian Vogue issue.
It’s about time you guys some black people on a magazine
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