How ridiculous is it that it has been TWELVE WHOLE YEARS since Naomi Campbell was the last solo black model to appear on the cover in August 2002?
I remember reading an article about the lack of diversity on British Vogue covers last year on The Guardian's website which can be read here. The mentioned article links the lack of cover diversity to a lack of diversity in fashion or a lack of universal support for models regardless of their success which , in turn, is covert racism.
It is wrong that it is no surprise that even though Jourdan has been in the industry longer than Cara Delevigne, is just as successful as her and earned more money in 2014 ($4m over $3.5m) Cara has already had three British Vogue solo covers (March '13, Jan '14 and Sept '14).
British Vogue should not receive praise for featuring a successful black model on their cover as it is something that they should have been doing for the last 12 years anyway. In any case they should be lucky that models like Jourdan still want to appear on their cover despite their incessant racism.
Let's just hope that we won't have to wait until 2027 to see another solo black model on the cover.
What are your thoughts on this cover? Do you think that both Jourdan and Vogue deserve praise for the cover?
Let me know in the comments.
Your views are very valid BUT I don't believe Jourdan earned her spot on the front cover until now and in terms of the last 12 years...well in my opinion there hasn't been any black supermodels that have had the same gained the same respect, gained the same coverage and been idolised in the way that Naomi Campbell has. Therefore, the issue lies on the need for more black empowering and beautiful supermodels. Because when I think of black supermodels the three names that come into my mind is Naomi, Iman and Jourdan...and that's only recently. Yes British Vogue needs to embrace and celebrate black women and supermodels but when there is a lack of models who will ensure the magazine is will be bought they are unable to do so. In addition, Jourdan's name has only in the recent years become a household name...sadly
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Hi Lauren, I appreciate you reading and commenting on my post. I agree that there need to be more black models in the limelight in general. I'm not claiming to be an expert in fashion or anything but I still think it's bad that a black woman has to be compared to, and perceived to be as iconic as Naomi to be on the cover when the same high expectations don't seem to be in place for white models.
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