Black Looks: Latest Black Achievements in Fashion
The New Style Icons
Husband and Wife Fashion Stars
Blacks have been making major inroads in fashion in recent months, in surprising territories. Take Michelle and Barack Obama. While husband Barack graces the cover of this month’s GQ, Michelle is a revolutionary inclusion on Vanity Fair's 2007 Best-Dressed List. This year's list includes a surprising number of African-American superstars--six in total. At a statuesque 5'11" tall, Mrs. Obama certainly has the elegant proportions of a model. Vanity Fair's Conde Naste editors, who are renowned for their elevated tastes, see her as a style icon to watch in the near future. More about Michelle Obama.
More on Urban Fashion
Rocker Makes Good
From Man-bags to Manly
A quintessential rocker with a look of his own, Lenny Kravitz is another brown folk to make it onto Vanity Fair's exclusive list. Long known for his good looks yet somewhat kooky style, this year we see that he has toned it down for a more sexy maturity that women everywhere can appreciate. More on Lenny.
More About 'Blades of Glory'
Beautiful Helper
Model Shows Her Style With Soul
Gorgeous model Liya Kebede also made Vanity Fair's Best-Dressed list, because she is beautiful inside and out. She has used her fame and fortune to help those less fortunate than her with her foundation, which works to serve mothers and pregnant women in underserved countries. More on Liya.
More About 'Die Hard'
Professional Dandy
With Rugged Good Looks
Former NFL star Tiki Barber also made the Vanity Fair 2007 Best-Dressed List, as a very dapper and handsome black man who always steps out in style. Read more.
More About 'Zodiac'
Potent Couple
The Designer & the Mogul
A more low-key version of Russell and Kimora, Dame Dash and Rachel Roy are the last of the black and urban clan to make it onto Vanity Fair's Best-Dressed pages. As partners in Rachel Roy's successful clothing business, this understated couple co-rules high-end fashion. Peep some of Rachel's latest couture designs to see what New York's socialites are wearing.
More About 'Beowulf'
Model Survivor
Memoir of a Warrior
Also in fashion-related news, Sudanese model Alek Wek has penned a memoir detailing her experiences as she transformed herself from a refugee into an international supermodel. Learn more about Alek’s story here. Never to be stopped or outdone, our African sister also has her own line of distinctive handbags.
More About 'Nanny Diaries'
Black Girls Rule!
Iman Validates Our Beauty
Speaking of Lenny Kravitz, his daughter Zoe graces Trace magazine's annual "Black Girls Rule" issue, recently released. This year the guest editor is supermodel Iman, who used this issue to show the world that black models and women of all shades are beautiful, strong, sexy and fierce. The Trace magazine "Black Girls Rule" issue seeks to use its pages to address the imbalances in the fashion world that often leaves black beauty on the sidelines, while maintaining the magazine's authentic underground edge. Read more.
More About 'Be Kind Rewind'
Diamonds Are Forever
Will You Cop Bey's Scent?
Always seeking to up her fashion game, Beyonce has just added another lucrative perfume contract to her list of style and beauty triumphs. As the star of the new Emporio Armani Diamonds campaign, Bey dances and sings Marylin Monroe's iconic tune 'Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend.' Read more about how being a style icon has forced Beyonce to be camera-ready at all times!
More About 'Evan Almighty'
Lifetime Swagger Award
Jay-Z Makes Esquire's List
Speaking of Beyonce, Jay Z has landed himself on Esquire magazine's list of 2007's Best Dressed men at number two. The men's mag even gave Jay a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to the world of fashion. Take that Vanity Fair! Read more.
More About 'Gangster'
Model Actors
Boundless Beauties
Not the usual model-types, Regina King and Forest Whitaker make a stunning appearance in this season's black and white Gap ads. Always an eclectic vision of American style, the Fall Gap campaign truly sees beauty in diversity by including these African-American talents, along with gorgeous Asian actress Lucy Liu. See the full campaign here.
More About 'Ratatouille'
Usher: Smells Good
Always Time For Beauty
Amid the paparazzi swirl of his marriage and baby momma drama, Usher has had the time to plan a new fragrance. The still-nameless scent is being produced in conjunction with Armani Exchange, and is set to launch in September. Post your thoughts here.
More About 'Knocked Up'
Black Girls Running It
CoverGirl's Reigning Queens
Showing that black girls due indeed rule, Queen Latifah and America's Next Top Model winner Danielle Evans will both continue to represent for CoverGirl in the coming seasons. Both spokespersons have had their make-up contracts recently renewed, and Evans is the first ANTM winner to have her contract renewed on her own merits. More on the up-and-coming style star.