it's almost here...

The four ladies who will be gracing the cover: Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell

I cannot wait for the all-black July issue of Italian Vogue. We've been hearing about it for months now and I really believe it's not going to disappoint. This issue has the potential to revolutionize the business, taking note of the serious lack of black models (and all models of color) from important fashion publications and runway shows. This debate, which unfortunately only came to light as a serious problem this past year after the New York Fashion Week shows, is now taking center stage in the industry, causing a well deserved stir.

Sessilee Lopez, photographed by Steven Meisel

World renown and respected photographer, Steven Meisel, was chosen to apply his genius to these soon to be historic pages. The work that has been leaked out thus far is stunning; I can't wait to get my hands all over a copy. You can read about his experience and feelings on the matter as well as some insights into Italian Vogue's editor Franca Sozzani's thought process in developing this issue in today's Thursday Styles on the New York Times website.

Naomi Campbell, photographed by Steven Meisel

photos courtesy of the New York Times