7.28.2008

VOGUE ITALIA: BLACK BEAUTIES SPICE UP THE PAGES


Before the viral explosion for ITALIA VOGUE’S Black Issue release, I planned on clenching the historical publication. However, days right up before the launch I was swamped with work. And Mr. MSR was turned-down at every grocer and newsstand requesting the publicized issue. My business/marketing know-how kicked in when I figured Conde Nast would have to reprint issues to fill the stratospheric demands.

On Saturday, touring with girlie, I looked everywhere for the issue. Everyone had the same response, “we haven’t received the reprints.” I lucked up when I walked into Universal News (for non-nyc’ers, it’s a venerable hub known for stocking most magazines). I doled out $15 bucks for the Jourdan Dunn cover. Post-purchase, several individuals cornered me asking me where I landed the issue. Without hesitations, I directed them to Universal News on 14th Street.

The legendary fashion photog Steven Meisel deserves credit and recognition for pitching this revolutionary issue concept to Conde Nast poobah’s and Italian Vogue uppers. I sat down and really dove in and realized Steven Meisel is a frigging genius—a simple genius! Spread after spread, floored me with delight and amazement people. My favorite models and spreads, interestingly, received the most pages. Naomi Campbell (spread title: There’s only one NAOMI) received a whopping 16 pages and Sessilee Lopez (spread title: How to Dazzle)—get this—28 pages! I’m not surprised she ranked out Naomi; this girl makes men feet shake…lol. Other models loaded in the issue were Iman, Veronica Webb, Liya Kebede, Toccara Jones, Chanel Iman, Pat Cleveland, and Tyra Banks, just to name a few.

In all, it’s great to know the overdue issue which advocates fought tirelessly for, finally crystallized into genuine beauty.

SHOTS FROM ITALIAN VOGUE BLACK ISSUE.








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