Jourdan Dunn .: Black Girls Rule

The front cover of today's Sunday Times Style seemed like a synchronised ideas converging moment. It coincided with a pleasant surprise last Wednesday when I noticed the Metro newspaper had a black reader on the beauty products tester panel, it may not have been the first time but i'd never seen it before.

In the wider context of the diversity debate I recall Trace Magazines annual "Black Girls Rule" issue and have also had my attention drawn to photographer Steven Meisel stance which stands in the face of international fashions sporadic flirtation with people of colour. Interestingly he's shot the entire July issue of Vogue Italia using black models. We cannot forget, the diversity debate is old, its bewildering and an irritation.

Its true then.. black models really do models exist, so do black female fashion & beauty consumers its a no brainer to anyone who's interested. But the big boys in business year on year ignore this market and the potential to earn a few extra ££'s and maybe a pat on the back from shareholders. It makes me wonder what would be different if this industry was led by the big girls in fashion. I think the influence of the female eye would not over look these seemingly minor but major discrepancies in the marketing of fashion & beauty products.

I digress.. Jourdan Dunns on the front cover of Sunday Times Style (if Steven Meisel can put his neck out why not ! ) Minette Marrin STS columnist conducted a quick bit of research her article concludes that " these days, ethnic beauty is pretty much invisible".. I'd add to that.. is still pretty much invisible. That's why Storms favourite new face Jourdan Dunn is this season hot property she's 17, black, I believe a Londoner, spotted in Primark Hammersmith and predicted to go all the way to the top. She also made the cut for Vogue Italia's black issue out June 2008.

So please keep an eye open and aware for Vogue Italia all black edition.. remember its on the newsstands June guaranteed this will be hot and in limited supply, probably be a collectors edition!

Ps
If you have a copy of STS turn to page 47 of 22,000 readers voted in their Beauty Awards 2008, you'll see another first a "Best For Black / Asian Skin" category the award went to Bobbi Brown. They also recommend Oscar nominated make-up artist Beverley Binda's Blouse and Skirts Cosmetics range.