Newspaper Page Text
Is Your
Black not
Beautiful
Enough?
Aaliyah Nurideen
Staff Writer
Yes, I was looking through
Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Allure, but
that underlines my concern. Why are
only black people and Black magazines
like Ebony, Essence and Black Enter
prise recognizing the beauty and ex
clusiveness in being black? Doesn’t the
high fashion world need to acknowl
edge that too?
There is no argument that black
representation in fashion has increased
throughout the decades with high fash
ion super models such as the legend
ary Naomi Sims, Roshumba Williams,
Veronica Webb, Beverly Johnson, Iman,
Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks.
However, these models are no longer
current nor characterize the 2011 black
model. Years ago, black models almost
dominated the runways, so what hap
pened? When you think of current
fashion black super models, who are
the first to come to mind? Perhaps,
Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn or Sessilee
Lopez. That’s fine, and kudos to them
for making such a mark on the fashion
industry. Now let’s rephrase the ques
tion: When you think of current dark
skinned black fashion models, who
are the first to come to mind? Hmmm,
I’ll wait. Model Alek Wek from Sudan
comes to my mind, but that’s it. That is
the problem. She is only one girl. She is
the token black girl. I’m a fan of Alek,
don’t get me wrong. I love her rich skin
and strong features, however, she alone
cannot bear the weight of representing
the black community. Now, it’s either
Chanel Iman in everyones ads, or Alek
Wek, no in between. Where are the rest
of the girls? Why isn’t there more of
a range and amount of black models?
There needs to be more black models
of all shades in the industry. The token
Black girl should not be the same for
each and every runway, ad, or cam
paign.
Now, designers such as Chanel,
Versace, and Dior have been obsessed
with representing “exotic” models. So
not only is there room for just a select
few types of black models, there is now
no room for average African-American
models. It seems to me that the fashion
industry has it all wrong. The plethora
of skin complexions, body types and
variety in hair are just some of the
things that make being a black woman
beautiful. As a race, black people come
in all hues and colors which is what
makes us unique and unlike any other.
Fashion should embody our unique
ness and represent every and all types
of black beauty. We are slowly making
progress, but we still have a long way
to go. When I look through magazine
ads, I want for everyone to think that
at least one of the models shown can
represent them.
This shade can be worn in the daytime
and in the evening. The great thing about a nude
shade is that it can be worn on all skin tones. Pair
this with natural makeup. Light blush and gold
eye shadows are ideal. Adding a bronzer to your
cheekbones will give you a summertime glow no
matter the season!
TKYTHESEI
Revlon Colorburst Lipstick 070 Soft Nude
Mac ‘Viva Glam Gaga’ Lipstick Viva Glam Gaga
Laura Mercier Satin Lip Color Barely Nude
Writer
Though many are scared to venture to
look pretty in pink, trust me, there is a shade for
everyone! MadameNoire.com says that this shade
can be worn “with really dark ‘fits’: black cocktail
dresses or a pair of jeans paired with a dark top.”
Accompanying this look with a smokey eye can
turn simple evening attire into a bold look!
TRYTHESEI
MAC Lipstick in Saint Germain
NYX Lipstick in Narcissus
Elf Lipstick in Classy
From the \eJranaeA to the big and
bold lip colors have been on the scene lately. We
have seen celebrities, such as the pop star Ri-
hanna, who never ceases to bring avant-garde lip
shades, to those such as Kerry Washington who
frequently rock the more subtle looks. Here is a
list of three shades that are bold and eye catching,
yet tasteful and tactful. Check it out!
This timeless shade has been worn for
years! However, many do not know that everyone
cannot wear the same shade. HelloBeautiful.com,
a website designed for African American women
to learn about healthy living, gives a guide on
what shades of crimson look good on the myriad
of shades that we, Women of Color, come in. For
women of a fairer complexion, HelloBeautiful.
com suggests colors “in a slightly apricot shade.”
For medium and darker skin tones, the shade
of red that you choose can be a little darker and
have hints of browns or purples.
TRYTHESEI
MAC in Ruby Woo (This lipstick is great for EV
ERY skin tone!)
L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Real Red
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Ravish Me Red
Adrienne Porter & Aaliyah Nurideen
Staff Writers
Have you ever seen a guy and wondered “Hmmm, would
he like a girl like me?” We’ve all been there, lingering and pining
over someone, and questioning if we even meet their criteria. It’s
hard to know right off the bat, based on first encounters, if there is
an initial connection. From button down blazers to grey sweatpants
and Jordans, guys come in a variety of categories. We met up with
a handful of guys; everyone from the prep to the artist, to uncover
their styles, as well as, what they like to see their ladies wear.
well as, what they like to see their ladies wear.
^Disclaimer Not every guy is into appearance. Many of them are more concerned with your personality and how you present yourself.’ 1
|With that being said, let’s begin!
IThe Prep: “The Prep” is one we
|are all familiar with. He is the clean-
|cut guy, with a closet full of Ralph
lLauren Polos, cardigans, moccasins,
Icorduroys and Sperrys. A classic
?rep example is Solomon Mastin.
fMastin is an international studies
fmajor from the class of 2013. When
re asked about his personal style he
jjdescribed himself as “swagged out”.
|His attitude regarding style was all
labout how you wear your clothes.
fMastin referred to his
te Jock: HIKE, HIKE! “The Jock” is the
kuy we always see getting rough on and off
the field. He is always sporting his sweat
suit uniform, comfy sneakers or Nike
shower shoes. Jeremy Harris, a member
pf the class of 2013, is on the Division II
lationally accredited Morehouse College
football Team. When we met with Harris,
re could automatically see that he’s a Gun-
ler the Gridiron. He described his ideal
lady as one who dawns business suites
Ind heels rather than leggings. He belives
fhat a woman who leaves something to the
lagination
ideal girl as one who wears
more formal attire. Classic
boots and scarves appeal to
him in the cold weather.
is very appealing.
The Business Man: “The Business
Man” is the guy who is always on the
go and sports a suit five out of seven
days a week; in almost every shade
of black, gray, or blue. Our “Busi
ness Man”, Bryan Morris, a business
marketing major, says he likes his girl
“to dress like a girl”. He doesn’t want
to see his lady wearing sweatpants and
a baseball cap every day. There should
be no reason for the business man to
want to raid your closet.
The Bookworm: Do not mix up our
Bookworm with the infamous Steve Urkel!
Our Bookworm saunters down Brown Street
in a classic button down, simple denim
jeans, and vintage 1950’s glasses. Addison
DeMoss, a member of the class of 2013, and
a host of other organizations in the AUC,
describes his style as simple yet urban. What
would his dream girl wear? An urban chic
style: fitting skinny jeans and bold color
cardigans.
Mr. Laidback: This low key, comfortable,
yet stylish guy loves to throw on his college
hoodie, slip on his dark denim jeans, add
a baseball cap, and grab his backpack. We
found “Mr. Laidback” in Thomas Conley a
class of 2013 biology major. He agreed with
us in saying that he is “definitely laid back”
when it comes to his sense of style. He said
he loves to see women in conservative ap
parel and believes in women not showing
everything in order to impress. When asked
if he could give a little tidbit in regards to
attire for women, he simply said, “Leave
something to the imagination.”
The Artist: An eclectic man of many tal
ents, whether photography, fashion, poetry
or film, the artist is into it all.
Usually spotted with a camera in hand, Ian
Paul Ruta, class of 2012 and co-founder of
Posh Snob Clothing, fits this description
perfectly. Although the artist may be pro
ficient in expressing himself, he had a hard
time communicating his ideal fashionista.
There aren’t any specific styles or fashions
that he is immediately drawn to. For Ruta,
“it is all about attitude and the way she car
ries herself.” Can’t expect any less from the artist, now can we?