Skip to Content

Passion for fashion? Visit the new StyleList!

Posts with tag VivianWestwood

Are fashion magazines racist?

Filed under: Style in the News

Naomi CampbellBlack models aren't used enough in fashion magazines, and it's because their editors are racist.

At least, that's how Vivienne Westwood sees it. The famed British designer is so convinced that magazine editors are purposefully keeping black models off their pages that she wants new rules forcing them to be more inclusive.

It all started when Westwood spoke with one editor who told her that you always need "a face" on a magazine cover if it's going to sell -- and you "could not put a black person on there because sales halve." She also cites the notable lack of covers on which Naomi Campbell has appeared (a mere eight), while Kate Moss (her white contemporary) has appeared on 24 in the same time span.

This makes other editors' claims that there are simply "fewer black women who are big enough stars" to sell magazines seem like excuses, not justifications.

But what do you think?

Are fashion magazines racist?

StyleFoul: stupid orange cowboy hat

Filed under: Men, Celebrity Fashion Mistakes

Ah, yes. Welcome to Men's Fashion Week in Milan. Yesterday, we learned that Versace is scoring big with clerically-inspired outerwear, and today we learn that Vivian Westwood has been dropping acid (or something).

Don't get me wrong, I live in Austin, TX -- the capitol of "cowboy chic," where it's cool for even the most self-deprecating, sensitive indie-rocker types to butch up with a pair of Justin boots. But the irony is completely lost when you make the hat so obnoxiously campy that Richard Simmons wouldn't be caught dead in it.

The purple granny cardigan only adds salt to the wound. Needless to say, I'm embarrassed for cowboys everywhere.

(Thanks to Manolo for the heads up)

How You Voted

    Threesome or topless?
    More than 3/4 of you think the CK campaign 'Threesome' campaign was more risque than Wrangler's topless models. Get the full story here.

    Inzemove and Fred & Farid

    Do these ads belong in the U.S.?
    StyleList readers were nearly evenly divided on this, with 52% thinking that they should run in the States, and 48% finding them inappropriate. Get the full story here.

    Inzemove and Fred & Farid

    Curly or Straight?
    While 30% of you think she's so beautiful that her hair doesn't even matter, 49% of you prefer her curls. Get the full story here.

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images | Jon Furniss, WireImage

    Offensive or artistic?
    Just over 50% of StyleList readers said they weren't offended by this shirt, but didn't know if it was totally appropriate to wear in public. Unfortunately, that wasn't the opinion in Dubai. Get the full story here.

    Photo: eBay

    ebay

    Strapless dresses on 13-year-olds
    StyleList readers think strapless dresses should be saved for older girls -- 41% of you think the look is too mature. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Is Megan the new Angelina?
    Half of you think Megan needs to get her own identity and quit copying Angie, but more than a quarter said Jolie doesn't stand a chance against this Fox. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Did Calvin Klein respond to public's outcry?
    The controversial "threesome" billboard in Soho has been replaced with this one, but 51% of you believe it was just to keep people talking about the brand, not because CK caved. Get the full story here.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Calvin Klein's Racy Ad
    Is it art or practically pornography? About 40% of StyleList readers found this billboard obscene. Get the full story.

    Maggie Coughlan, AOL

    Palin's Pedi
    Do you think Sarah Palin's funky pedicure was appropriate? If so, you're in good company -- 68% of you said it was fun and fabulous. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

    Bright, Light, or Dark as Night?
    How do you like your toenails painted? Over half of StyleList readers prefer their piggies with bright, perky polish. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

Featured Galleries

StyleList Fashion Blog bloggers (30 days)

#BloggerPostsCmts
1Bee-Shyuan Chang540
2Maureen Dempsey370
3Amber Stolec250
4Kristen Seymour230
5Jessica B. Matlin220
6Marissa Gold210
7Courtney Dunlop140
8Ben Widdicombe110
9Sarah Cristobal60
10Katie Hintz40