The Beauty of Diversity

The July issue of Italian Vogue will feature 100 pages of black models photographed by Steven Miesel. And all of the feature stories will be related to black women in arts and entertainment. The issue goes on newsstands next Thursday and will be available in the states soon after.

It's about time!

For years, beautiful black models have been ignored because, according to an industry insider, the designer already has their black girl or because advertisers don't want to alienate potential customers.

Italian Vogue Editor Franca Sozzani said she has been intrigued by Barack Obama, the first black Democratic presidential candidate. She also told The New York Times that she is aware of the lack of diversity on runways.

I applaud Sozzani for being gutsy. She could have easily turned down Miesel's request for the "all black" issue because her bottom line may have been affected. But Sozzani, who has a reputation for being controversial, sees the beauty in diversity and recognizes that beautiful is beautiful.

I hope Miesel's idea isn't a one-time deal. And I hope his openness to see beauty in all races rubs off on his colleagues. While future magazine issues don't have to be "all black," photographers and editors need to pepper every issue with all types of beauties, not just the ones with blue eyes and blond hair.