Fashion || ESSENCE Magazine: Fabulous S/S 2010 Covers Amidst Fashion Director Controversy
By way of viral articles on the issue, Clutch Magazine was the first source that broke the news to me earlier this week regarding ESSENCE Magazine's new hire --a White Fashion Director for it's lifestyle magazine which has been largely supported and subscribed to by African-American women for over 40 years. An issue that brought heartfelt disappointment to former ESSENCE Magazine Fashion Director, Michaela Angela Davis (@MADvision):
"it is with a heavy heavy heart I have learned that Essence Magazine has engaged a white fashion director, this hurts, literally, spiritually" -MADvision (2:39 PM Jul 23rd via web).
Clutch Magazine reports: "The company has yet to officially announce the new hire. However, media industry site Media Bistro released an article on Monday revealing the pick is Ellianna Placas, formerly of O: The Oprah Magazine and US Weekly. The report confirms Placas will make her official debut with Essence in their 40th anniversary commemorative issue in September. According to the brand’s announcement, the Fashion Director is responsible for developing and conceiving five to seven fashion stories and one feature per month. The position also requires the person to communicate the 'Essence style mission on sales calls and represent the brand on television' among other managerial tasks."
This issue has brought the bigger picture to light; there is a lack of African American female executives/directors in the fashion industry. It should ALSO be a call-to-action to former editors of ESSENCE, that understand the anatomy of this mag, to start new publications. Thus creating new and additional opportunities.
MY FULL ARTICLE/COMMENTARY HERE: "Guess Who's Coming to Our Board Meeting"
Could it possibly be a pride issue on the behalf of Michaela Angela Davis, to be succeeded by a women who could quite possibly out do what Michaela has done at ESSENCE mag -- and to add salt to an open wound; it being done by a white woman at a traditionally black publication? (no pun intended)
ReplyDeleteRegardless, the bigger issue you pointed out holds ground...the under representation of black or even brown women in executive roles.