Magazine Glam: Liya Kebede Channels Salt-N-Pepa for V Magazine

Am I getting old?

The funky, fresh vibe that characterized women in 90’s hip hop is now the inspiration for the Spring season. I remember growing up watching Salt-N-Pepa’s flavorful fashions—funky, colored hair, tons of gold jewelry, doorknockers, loud, colorful clothes—and thinking it was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.

Well, it seems the 90’s look is back with a vengeance with denim jackets, cut-off shirts, bare midriffs, dookie chains, bold brights, acid wash jeans and loud prints hot again for Summer.

One of my favorite models, Liya Kebede, alongside Lily Donaldson, captured the look in an editorial spread for the upcoming April V Magazine. Here’s a peek at the 10-page spread, shot by Josh Olins.

Do you love it?

And for old times sake, I included my favorite video, Salt-N-Pepa’s “Shoop” at the end of the post. I knew every word to this song as a little girl. Love the ’90’s!

Kisses,

Coutura

Magazine Glam: Rihanna for W Magazine, Precious star Gabourey Sidibe for V Magazine’s Size Issue

Hey Glamazons!

I’m addicted to huge fashion glossies, among other things. So I’m thrilled to share with you the latest covers of two of my favorite mags, W Magazine and V Magazine.

As much as I love Rihanna, I have to start with V Magazine’s Size Issue. With all the buzz surrounding January’s V Magazine—and those incredible spreads, the cover has to be just as special, right? Right. With double covers featuring “Precious” star, Gabourey Sidibe (that movie was so touching) and Dakota Fanning (looking very Twiggy-like), the V Magazine editors have successfully relayed the message that every size is beautiful.

I especially love Gabourey’s cover. I’ve never seen her look more gorgeous and glamorous. It really goes to show that beauty has no size limit.

Collect both covers of the magazine – on newsstands NOW! Click here for more info about the covers.

And now for Rihanna, her February 2010 W Magazine cover and spread, shot by Craig McDean and styled by Lori Goldstein, is to-die-for!!! Seriously, the leopard-print Lola hat almost knocked me out cold when I saw the photo on my blackberry.

Wearing Gucci, Prada and Michael Kors in clean black and white shots, Rihanna solidifies her place as a high-fashion favorite. In python coats, leopard print hats and studded fingerless half-gloves, Rihanna continues to venture into bad-girl territory with her fusion of glamor, grit and goth.

I wonder if Anna Wintour feels she missed the boat by allegedly denying Rihanna the American Vogue cover after her nude photos hit the web. Oh well, looking hot is the best revenge, indeed!

Gucci dress. Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry earrings. Dior Fine Jewelry ring. Chanel Fine Jewelry cuff.

Michael Kors dress. Lola hat. Van Cleef & Arpels necklace. Gucci ring and bracelet.

Dior coat. Van Cleef & Arpels necklace. Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry tassel necklace. Bulgari bracelet.

Les Copains gloves.

Prada dress. Loree Rodkin earrings. Dior Fine Jewelry ring. LaCrasia gloves.

Click here for more pictures from Rihanna’s shoot.

Kisses,

Coutura

V Magazine’s Size Issue – Are Curves Cool Yet?

As The Glamazons reported last month, V Magazine is dedicating its January issue to plus-size models. Featuring shoots by Karl Lagerfeld and Terry Richardson, the first-ever “Size Issue” will hit newsstands January 14, 2010.

The pictures have hit the internet and we have to say high-fashion photo shoots that celebrate curvy models are way overdue. I especially love the Karl Lagerfeld-shot spread with burlesque star, Miss Dirty Martini, and Coco-lookalike, actress Jane Schmidt, in the House of Chanel. Class meets sass. Check out the images below and tell me what you think!

Coco A Go-Go featuring Miss Dirty Martini, Jane Schmidt. Shot by Karl Lagerfeld.

Curves Ahead featuring Candice Huffine, Marquita Pring, Michelle Olson and Tara Lynn. Shot by Sølve Sundsbø

One Size Fits All Featuring Jacquelyn Jablonski and Crystal Renn. Shot by Terry Richardson.

At a photo shoot this weekend, my good friend who works for a plus-size magazine told me she’s seen a renewed interest in the full-figured fashion industry following the news of V Magazine’s Size issue.

Good to hear, but I hope the attention lasts beyond a couple of amazing magazine spreads. I would hate to see this much-needed change—that promotes positive body image and embraces women of all sizes—become another “cool,” short-lived trend.

What do you think?

Do you think the groundbreaking images will force the high-end Fashion industry to embrace plus-sizes? Do you think the photos of plus-size models won’t make a difference as they’ll only appear in one isolated issue? Do you think there’s a chance V Magazine will continue featuring plus-size models throughout the year?

Some people have criticized V Magazine for only showing paper-thin models or ‘extremely large’ models, instead of representing the varied shapes and sizes of womens’ bodies. Do you think that criticism is valid?

Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: V Magazine and Models.com.

V Magazine To Feature Plus-Size Models on January Cover

Glamazons, isn’t a beautiful thing when thin-obsessed fashion industry leaders start acknowledging the rest of the world?

Such is the case with Stephen Glan, editor-in-chief of V Magazine. In an effort to recognize beauties of all sizes, Glan is featuring a plus-size model on the January cover. “Big, little, pint-size, plus-size — every body is beautiful. And this issue is out to prove it,” he said via NYPost.com.

V Magazine, which has featured Kate Moss and Lady Gaga (below), will include beautiful plus-size supermodel, Crystal Renn and shoots by Terry Richardson and Karl Lagerfeld (in an attempt to clean up his comment about plus-size women, I suppose) in January’s issue.

Though it will be a welcome change to see full-figured women featured prominently in a major fashion magazine, I have to point out that plus-size still starts at size 8 (and yes, that’s illogical. baby steps) and I think using plus-size models regularly instead of just in a special issue will have more of an enduring impact on the industry.

As the January issue comes on the heels of V Magazine’s controversial shoot featuring model, Sasha Pivovarova, in blackface only two months before, many believe the plus-size angle is a not-so-subtle attempt to clean up the magazine’s image. Do you agree?

What do you think of V Magazine’s effort to include women of all sizes? Will you buy the magazine? Do you think it’s a great stride toward accepting plus-size women in Fashion?

Kisses,

Coutura