At first I was really pissed about this! But then I figure if Vogue can have Andre then I guess we can have Ellianna Placas. Right? But after reading up and listening to both sides, I still don't know.
For one thing it sure is pissing off Michaela Angela Davis, fmr fashion editor, the bulk of its readers and the bulk of the net. Ms. Davis does make a valid point, though. And she even used the Vogue Reference. Bascially she says that Essence is the only magazine that says they are for black women and where black women come first. She says Vogue is a lifestyle mag who doesn't promote race, but rather a lifestyle of esteem etc.. She also says that no major magazine has a Black Woman as a Fashion Director, not a one. Now this is just pathetic! Basically she says that it is a slap in the face, as very few magazines are giving black women a chance in the industry. She also states that she had to deal with a lot of young black women who were calling to her and crying about the issue. And that many feel like the one door that was open to them is now closed.
It's difficult for one to stomach this when the industry is so biased and one-sided; and the one place that gave us the chance is now closed. Another issue another heartache. One day there will truly be equal opportunity in all forms of employment. This issue did not die, on January 20. Sorry!
Here's What CLUTCH had to say:
Fashion media personality Najwa Moses toldCLUTCH, "How could such a prestigious title who is deeply rooted in its target audience let someone who is not even apart of the African Diaspora detonate our image?" She added, "How can a White woman dictate and decide what style and beauty is for the Black woman?"
CLUTCH also weighed in on the decision:
As the publication unofficially deemed "Essence's little sister"--a growing young urban women's online brand for news, critical commentary, lifestyle, fashion and beauty--it felt like our Mom walked us hand in hand to the center of the biggest shopping mall in the state, turned around, and left us. But we are no longer the little girls eyeballing the glossy giant who taught us how to love ourselves.
--Princess Carter .
Sources: CNN/HuffingtonPost/CLUTCH
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