As NYFW (New York Fashion Week) approaches in September, as well as the coveted September issues of the most noted fashion magazines fly off the shelf. I, along with every other fashionista have taken note of some fierce femme fatales that are forces to be reckoned with, whose fabulous faces just so happened to be front and center on almost every cover. Outside of that- what do they all have in common? Well, they are all women of color.
For those that do not know- to grace the cover of the September issue of any fashion magazine is a HUGE DEAL, as these issues are known as the top sellers for the year. The last time I had this level of excitement for magazines was over 10 years ago. It was July 2008, with the release of the coveted All Black Vogue Italia (Italian Vogue) issue as seen below, featuring the likes of four major supermodels-Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and of course, Naomi Campbell, each on a separate collector's edition cover, and spearheaded by the late legendary Editor in Chief- Franca Sozzani.
To refresh your memory and talk about impact- all 4 issues, plastic wrapped and in mint condition are currently on sale on Ebay for a starting bid at $2500. I, unfortunately was only able to get my hands on the Naomi edition, which I still have today.Fast forward to the future, 2018- and we now have continuous reminders about WHY representation matters.
All young girls of all colors need to see women who look like them being regarded as the standard of beauty, but especially young minority girls of marginalized groups. It reveres their beauty as special and unique and allows them to see themselves in women who are making changes around the world, inspiring them to do the same. So here are the September 2018 covers in all their scintillating glory:
And last but certainly not least- Beyonce for American Vogue, in which she received the opportunity to direct her entire shoot and cover. If you don't know, it is rare that Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief would relenquish power over the most important issue of the year. Not only did Beyonce have creative control, but she hired a young black 23 year old photographer named Tyler Mitchell to take on the task as lead for her DOUBLE yes DOUBLE cover release.
ANDDDDDD- if you can't grace the cover of any other magazine- then why not be the cover girl of your own. #ComeOnAuntieO
So while you still can, track down these covers and collect them as a reminder of this momentous and historic occasion to share with your own little future mini-me's. I sure will and congratulations to all these cover girls out here "Queenin" and things!
XOXO,
"September is sooooo the new Black" DeVeReaux