Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
This week Vice President Kamala Harris is a headline story in fashion. First, Vogue US has decided, after much criticism, to release a second version of the February Vogue with different cover featuring VP Kamala Harris. This second version will be a limited edition.
The limited-edition version features Harris is a powder blue pantsuit. And will be available for $7.99. The original version will still be available to subscribers and available on newsstands.
VP Kamala Harris’ Vogue US February issue was not the only fashion story from Harris his week. At Joe Biden and Harris’ inauguration, Harris opted to wear black designers that were not household names. Harris’ ensemble on this history-making day was a head-to-toe black designer extravaganza.
The fantastic purple coat that Harris took her oath in was by Christopher John Rogers, the 2020 recipient of the CFDA Emerging Designer award. Her shoes were by Sergio Hudson, who has found a fan base with Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and Beyonce. And Harris’ pearls were by New York-based Puerto Rican jeweler Wilfredo Rosado.
This was first time that an elected official on Inauguration Day presented in head-to-head designers of color. But that is too be expected. VP Harris is a first on many levels; the first African American, South Asian, and Caribbean Vice President.
Image courtesy of newyorktimes.com
Bye, bye Bridget
After 35 years, WWD executive editor Bridget Foley is leaving the publication. It has been reported that Foley was dismissed from her position. It has not been established if Foley will continue to contribute to WWD in some other capacity.
“[WWD has] a huge part of my life,” Foley told The Cut. “It’s been a privilege to cover this industry through such remarkable times of change. I was privileged as a chronicler, and as a participant, to be involved at a very heady time in fashion and media.”
Foley had a regular column at WWD “Bridget Foley’s Diary.”
Image courtesy of chainstorage.com
Sephora steps up
Maybe the Black Lives Matter protests are having a positive effect. But not in the industry you would expect.
For decades African Americans have complained about how they are treated as consumers in US retails stores and the lack of representation in marketing and corporate positions. Well, Sephora has risen above the fray by recently establishing a new action plan to combat racial bias in its stores.
This directive coincides with by study sponsored by Sephora on racial bias in retail. Sephora’s new initiative includes promoting more African American beauty brands and prominently promoting those African American beauty brands on the Sephora website. This new directive will also introduce a new greeting system where all Sephora shoppers are greeted the same and treated with respect. Additionally, Sephora will incorporate new training modules for all Sephora beauty advisors that include racial bias training and decrease the amount of third-party security in its stores.
“We know that we’re in a strong position to influence positive changes in the retail industry and society at large and it’s our responsibility to step up,” said Jean-André Rougeot, president and CEO, Sephora Americas. “We’re committed to doing all we can to make our U.S. retail experience more welcoming for everyone.”
—William S. Gooch
Speak Your Mind