Italian Vogue All-Black Returns With Retro Barbie...Now That's Hot!

In an effort not to overstate the obvious, Vogue's Italia edition makes a comeback with a black barbie doll fashion spread - for joy, for joy! What a fun and genuis idea from the clever mind of Vogue editor Franca Sozzani who last year put out the first ever Vogue Italy edition of all black models in one spread to show just how much the fashion industry lacks diversity. I'm sure some of the models featured in last year's edition were unheard of to the masses prior to going to print; unless you acutally follow fashion to the letter (like we do - Liya Kebede is our absolute fave) and see some of the sisters in other publications. The first black barbie doll, "Francie" came out in 1967, however she wasn't produced until 1980. Yes, 1980 for those of you who think the world over that folks aren't judged on the color of their skin. 1980 is only 29 years ago. WOW! And yet, here we are revisiting the same old tired issue of the ugly ill's of racism that not for nothing another country, not our own - dared to tackle....(deep sigh). We've got a long way to go, and while this may be seen as a marketing ploy by Mattel and Vogue to reintroduce the new black barbie doll titled, "So In Style", we thank you Franca, for your courage, love and respect and hell, knowing what's hot!