Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn, and Naomi Campbell graced the historic July 2008 cover issue of "Vogue Italia". Also featured in the photo spread are Tyra Banks, Chanel Iman, Alek Wek, Veronica Webb, and Iman.
Tocarra of "America's Next Top Model" fame was also included for this magazine. (Thanks Tyrone for the tip!) Speaking of Lady Banks, he also cast Toccara Jones, the plus-size model from America's Next Top Model, Cycle 3. “I wanted to say something about weight, and I’m never allowed to do that,” he told Horyn. “I met Toccara and thought, she’s beautiful. What’s the deal with her? She’s great and she’s sexy.” [THE CUT]
Will this cover promote more black models on the fashion newsstand? Time will only tell I suppose.
This epic issue of Italian Vogue will be on newsstands next Tuesday overseas but in the meantime, check out the preview via On The Runway.
If you believe the rumor mill, Djimon Hounsou proposed to long-time girlfriend, Kimora Lee Simmons. Kimora spilled the beans at the Cartier Love Bracelet launch last night to reporters. (Check out that engagement ring on Djimon's ring.)
I do like that Baby Phat/KLS dress she has on.
Photos: ONTD/Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue/WIREIMAGE
Labels: Chanel Iman, Djimon Hounsou, Fashion Hoopla, Kimora Lee Simmons, Liya Kebede, Naomi Campbell, Newsstand Snapshots, Out and About, Tyra Banks, Usher
At 1:39 PM, 
Tyrone I found out what you're talking about but it doesn't seem like she's featured in the magazine. I based it off what he (Steven Meisel) said:
Speaking of Lady Banks, he also cast Toccara Jones, the plus-size model from America's Next Top Model, Cycle 3. “I wanted to say something about weight, and I’m never allowed to do that,” he told Horyn. “I met Toccara and thought, she’s beautiful. What’s the deal with her? She’s great and she’s sexy.” So we suppose that makes one ANTM contestant to actually hit the "top" part of the deal!
Anyhow, I like what the photographer had to say about the cover:
“I thought, it’s ridiculous, this discrimination,” said Mr. Meisel, speaking by phone from his home in Los Angeles. “It’s so crazy to live in such a narrow, narrow place. Age, weight, sexuality, race — every kind of prejudice.”
…Mr. Meisel has his own theories about why black models, save for the token few, have disappeared from runways. “Perhaps the designers, perhaps the magazine editors,” he said. “They are the powerful people. And the advertisers. I have asked my advertising clients so many times, ‘Can we use a black girl?’ They say no.” The concern is that consumers will resist the product, he said. “It all comes down to money.”
source
OMG! Look at User's offspring. He looks j ust like his father as a baby. If you've ever seen those pictures than it will be kind of hard to miss what I'm talking about. And Look at how fabulous Kimora looks with her "kind of" fiancé. I don't know how this woman does it. How many women do you know of that are her age, and is able to raise two girls, maintain a relationship, and keep up with what’s in style to work her Baby Phat clothing line. Now that's what I call a "sheroe". She kind of reminds me of my girl Bianca. Have you ever heard of her? She’s an aspiring fashion assistant who is a prime example of a woman who's got it going on. I'm currently working with Toyota and I'm really hyped to spread the word about our new interactive webisodes, If Looks Could Kill, in which Bianca stars in. She’s got it all! I'm talking the dream job, man who’s got all the ladies drooling, and the spice to keep it all together when hell hits the fan. Think James Bond meets Sanaa Lathan in "Something New", Bianca is the girl who isn't afraid to run in her Louboutin heels!
Check out http://www.iflookscouldkill.com
You'll have to see what I'm talking about. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the first episode-Haute Pursuit-where Bianca's handbag is stolen and the chase begins. Everyone knows you should never mess with a woman's purse! FYI: Don't be surprised when you find yourself being reeled in like bait. That will make two of us!
I hope I didn't overstep my bounds by directly contacting you. After viewing your blog and seeing how hip to the game you are when it comes to what's hot and current, I figured this would be something that would catch your interest.
Looking forward to the girl talk!
Best,
Amanda Clouden
ILCK Ambassador
Amanda.Clouden@yahoo.com
CHI CHI
U KNOW TOCCARA IS IN THIS ISSUE OF VOGUE RIGHT? THAT'S WORTH POSTING.