Vogue Italia stands up for an issue, with A Black Issue

via Jezebel

Concert tickets sell out; books sell out, but magazines? Not so much. Well looks like the tables have turned in the past few weeks. Fashionistas everywhere have been on a mission; they’ve searched Barnes and Noble, Borders, newsstands, even EBay. Where’s the fire? It’s The August issue of Vogue Italia: A Black Issue. The history making-mag features all and only black models in its current issue which is causing hype across the country and in the fashion world.

Inspired by Senator Barack Obama and the lack of diversity on the runways, Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief, thought it was time to take a stand. Along with famed photographer, Steven Meisel, Sozzani featured famed faces Alex Wek, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Tyra Banks, as well as piece featuring 11 fresh faces to know. The Issue also spotlights the work of Spike Lee and Nelson Mandela, and Michelle Obama.

The issue has increased newsstand distribution by 40%, with most stands being sold out, thousands were re-ordered to please crazed fans. EBay is even selling a package featuring all four different covered-issues for $400 dollars!

“I thought, it’s ridiculous, this discrimination,” Meisel told the New York Times. “It’s so crazy to live in such a narrow, narrow place with age, weight, sexuality, race — every kind of prejudice.”

Well it’s time for a change, and this is a perfect start, in true Italian style.

Italia Vogue: A Black Issue is on stands now. Hurry, before you miss it!

Iman graces the pages of Vogue Italia: A Black Issue. via Jezebel