Mediabistro announced that African-American magazine Essence recently hired a white fashion director, Ellianna Placas:
Placas, who used to work at O: The Oprah Magazine and US Weekly, will apparently make her debut in Essence’s 40th anniversary issue, on newsstands in September. Although Essence has been looking for a fashion director for quite some time, not everyone is happy with their newest acquisition.
Michaela Angela Davis, former fashion editor of Essence and former editor-in-chief of Honey Magazine, revealed on her Facebook Wall, “It’s with a heavy heart I’ve learned Essence Magazine has engaged a white Fashion Director. I love Essence and I love fashion. I hate this news and this feeling. It hurts, literally. The fashion industry has historically been so hostile to black people–especially women. The 1 seat reserved for black women once held by Susan Taylor, Ionia Dunn-Lee, Harriette Cole(+ me) is now-I can’t. It’s a dark day for me. How do you feel?”
Over 90 people responded to Angela’s statement. Comments ranged from, “DARK,” “Disappointed,” “Essence sold its soul a long time ago,” and, “It’s a sad day for young black women everywhere,” to, “Who’s to say she won’t do a phenomenal job at paying incredible homage to Black female beauty?I wouldn’t write this person off based on race, alone. I *would* be curious to hear more about context – background, past work, and upbringing, even. But based on that single thread of data, I am not upset.”
Michaela went on to say, “It is personal..its also professional. If there were balance in the industry, if we didn’t have a history of being ignored and disrespected…if more mainstream fashion media included people of color before the ONE magazine dedicated to black women “diversified” it would feel different. There is one precious seat at the fashion shows that says Essence the magazine for black women. When asked, “What is your unique perspective for black women?” How is that answered? Even if they got Anna Wintour herself (which editors inside Essence assure me she is NOT) it still would hurt. From a brand perspective there should be a unique lens through which information is filtered…at Essence it is believed that filter is black, female..connected through shared history and soul…I believe we’ve not come far enough for this move.” She added, “It’s the lens, the filter in which the fashion is seen that is difficult. It’s the hope that is through the black imagination and soul our image is projected. We were charged with elevating the black designers and searching for who’s got next and yes Tracy Reese seems to be a lone princess sometimes. My heart breaks as you hope this is the place that would nurture and create black (female) fashion talent on all levels, editors, stylists, designers, photographers, models..an incubator for black talent.”
My thoughts? As a black publication Essence should, as Michaela said, make pains to stick to its original mission of being a magazine created for and by black women. The inside should reflect the outside–which means that a black fashion director would be ideal. We do have our own way of interpreting trends, and that authentic spirit is best relayed by someone from the community. That said, we also must take into account that Essence is a for-profit business owned by a national publishing company, Time Warner. Perhaps they hired Elliana to help them appeal to a broader demographic? Perhaps Elliana was just too good to pass up? Or perhaps Elliana has proven that her vision is profitable. In publishing, the only color that really matters is green.
I’m assuming Essence did a thorough search, though there are so many editors I can think of who would have been perfect–Sydne Bolden Long (fashion editor of In Style), Memsor Kamaraké (former fashion director of Vibe), Chiona Nnadi (fashion director of Paper Magazine). Heck, why not even Michaela herself?
What do you think of this debate?
July 26, 2010 6:24 am
Why be upset the magazine is owned by whites anyway? So the fact that there is now a white director does not shock me at all.
July 26, 2010 6:53 am
wow, that’s weird. shouldn’t be an issue, really…
July 26, 2010 10:04 am
It shouldnt be an issue. I’m hoping that Essence used due diligence..looked for the best candidate and came up with Elianna. Let’s give her a chance before we throw the race card up. She might be a refreshing add to Essence. Time will tell.
July 26, 2010 10:26 am
I understand why everyone is upset but I wanna see how this turns out first..before i judge. But if if we all are dissappointed at this white womens work in the magazine then SHAME ON YOU ESSENCE !
July 26, 2010 10:32 am
I agree with the others! Give her a chance first. Only time will tell.
July 26, 2010 10:42 am
This is upsetting to me, this should not be an issue at all. I think this woman should be judged on her work, not on her color.
In my opinion, Essence has been out of touch with Black women for a while. Whether they have a white or black fashion director should be the least of their worries. They should do an overhaul of the entire staff. Maybe then the magazine will stand for something again.
July 26, 2010 10:54 am
Do we get upset when Tim Wise, who is a White man, speaks on issues representing the struggles of African Americans? No. Why? Because he knows his ish.
While he may be an extreme example, I hope you understand my point. Maybe this Elliana knows her ish. I understand that the industry has grossly neglected having AA’s as fashion editors and I definitely can see how this doesn’t help in having more of a stronger presence, but I also know that sometimes change can be a good thing. In business, some business models have to change WITH the times if it isn’t helping business and it’s bottom line, and as it was stated, it’s a for profit enterprise, owned by a non-Black and diversified company.
And let’s get legal….NOT hiring her, because of her race….is discrimination. Especially if she was qualified (and the most qualified) for the position
Let’s give her a chance before begrudging the decision, as it was likely one of business and overall profitability, and NOT to slight the mags loyal readers and those that helped bring the mag to where it is today. Fashion should just BE fashion(not Black fashion, if that makes sense) and maybe this new editor can help propel Essence to a place they’ve tried to reach for years.
July 26, 2010 11:17 am
essence is wack. every time i see one all they have to talk about is “your DL man is gonna give you HIV!” or “you are gonna die old and alone!” or ” you need to get your money together” or “find the best jeans for your big ass.” with the same damn cover models every few months, making the same faces and poses. ugh. this isnt even worth the energy, to hell with that mag
July 26, 2010 12:00 pm
This is a wack move for Essence. A white woman can’t interpret a black woman’s style, point blank–period.
July 26, 2010 12:01 pm
This women’s work may be amazing, but to me, it’s just an affirmation that Essence is losing just that, it’s essence. The reason why it is published.
But I don’t remember where I saw the ad for the Fashion Director position. Essence was asking A LOT of work from the person. Maybe this is the only woman who wanted to take the job…I have doubts in this economy.
July 26, 2010 12:02 pm
What’s the big deal about this? Out of all the staff there’s ONE white person which I guess was hired because of her qualifications and we blacks are mad about that? Whatever happened to equal opportunities despite race, sex or creed? What if a predominantly white magazine created an issue about black staff? What if they were a White magazine? We black people don’t think! You can forget what we’ve been through, we meaning our ancestors but are we the ones to take judgement and duel on this for a lifetime? Racism exist! Its been polished, but it hasn’t gone anywhere. Essence hired a white qualified woman (minority) to bring something different to the table in a time where print is undoubtedly suffering. What the big deal? Seriously…… C’mon get it together!
July 26, 2010 12:06 pm
This is why we don’t have anything because we don’t understand the importance of keeping it ‘in the family.’ Every other race can have their own thing, but we continuously need to dilute, continuously need that validation from someone…white. Make no mistake the Jewish people have a stronghold on many many things in the industry (publishing, movies, etc) because they look out for each other, help each other out, hire each other. Sure it might be easier for them to hide it, but they’ve gotten so far because they understand the importance of keeping it in the community.
This is a black magazine, it should have black staff. Suede, which was more multicultural, can have a white fashion director, but Essence is for black women!
July 26, 2010 12:18 pm
Essence has been a disappointment for quite sometime. I have no idea why Mikki Taylor didn’t continue as fashion director, she was doing a superb job. Essence has become ridiculous and I’m glad greats like Susan Taylor have left because it is not the same. Ever since, Essence was bought by Time Warner it has been a horrible mess. I think it’s because it’s now white owned but targeted to black women and that is completely hypocritical and nonsense. Only black people can truly speak to black people and that’s it.
Also, I’m tired of ppl saying give the woman a chance. I don’t care what credentials she had, she is not black and until race is no longer an issue (which will NEVER happen) black women (black ppl for that matter) will always need to have a say. And we need black ppl to represent us. I have nothing against Ellianna personally but she can’t speak for black women. The idea of her doing so is ridiculous and impossible. You don’t see anyone hiring me to speak on blonde hair and French fashion. So why when it comes to something black do we have to compromise? Why is that when black people have something, it has to be taken over by someone white and then we are looked as “racist” or “unfair” when we don’t want that to happen?
Anyway, sorry for my long comment and I’m glad I didn’t renew my subscription.
July 26, 2010 12:26 pm
I must say as a print journalism major I’m a little disappointed. We are so under represented in these fields. So seldom do we see a black woman in a position of power, especially in fashion. It seems as though every time we make something that is supposed to be about us and celebrate us, we have to get our white counterparts involved to validate it. However we wanted to get hired at Vogue. We can’t ask for equality and then deny it to other races. I pray she is a right person for the job. If not time will tell. And as consumers we have the right to voice our opinion to heads of the magazine and boycott
July 26, 2010 12:49 pm
KP said it best. If they know their “ish,” just let them do. There are some black people who we really wouldn’t want fashion advice from anyway don’t you agree?
July 26, 2010 12:54 pm
as with all things whose purpose started out to be “For Us by Us”, this is slowly fading.. I dont know if this speaks to the tolerance that is becoming higher or if it speaks to us as a community losing our “essence” . Personally I think this is a reflection of us as a community and how business is becoming more important than family or heritage. We have sold out, most of our hair companies are now not owned by us, ect . Without doubt im sure that she has all the abilities and qualifications to be in this position , however I am not so sure that there is not an African American woman who posses the same,if not more. People see money and jump all over it …
July 26, 2010 1:11 pm
If people don’t understand why having a black woman is important:
Think about someone like Trina or even Letoya Luckett. Let’s throw Amber Rose in as well. It’s not as obvious why they’re appealing to a white woman, while black women embrace them as stylish trendsetters. A white woman might look down her nose at a body like Nicki Minaj or Serena Williams, but we relate to it. Essence just needs someone who can see the intrinsic beauty in black women, who can understand our style, what we like, etc. It’s not so obvious for someone white.
July 26, 2010 1:15 pm
“Michaela went on to say, “It is personal..its also professional. If there were balance in the industry, if we didn’t have a history of being ignored and disrespected…if more mainstream fashion media included people of color before the ONE magazine dedicated to black women “diversified” it would feel different. There is one precious seat at the fashion shows that says Essence the magazine for black women. ”
That pretty much sums up my opinion in a nutshell. Going back to what other respondents have said in regards to keeping businesses within our own community that is a reality that unfortunately the Black community hasn’t latched on to. One of the most prominent examples is the hair care industry. We are the dominant consumers within this industry but yet ownership for us is difficult in this industry because Koreans have figured out how to make the industry work for them and stick together.
July 26, 2010 1:18 pm
Slave mentality has worked so well. Divide and conquer. We haven’t come far at all.
July 26, 2010 1:30 pm
I don’t think its fair to judge this new editor simply off of her color.
What we must be reminded of is that a majority of black fashion publocations has struggled for years (Honey, Suede, Essence, Jewel) … there are not enough subscribers to keep these mags afloat.
Its not surprising that Essence had to be bought by TW, its surprising they are putting in effort to keep E around. I hardly even read Essence anymore. I welcome the change and will state an opinion after I see her work.
July 26, 2010 3:06 pm
LMAO @ t !!!
July 26, 2010 3:13 pm
I’m not really sure how I feel about it. One one hand I think we should wait and see what she brings to the magazine and not just judge her because she isn’t black….but then again on the other hand, if the magazine supposed to be “for us by us and about us” I would prefer for it to be a woman of color. But great style has no race. So I think we should revisit this topic once the issue comes out.
July 26, 2010 3:36 pm
My hubby and I were just talking about black owned businesses the other day. Ladies, can you imagine how great it would be to support black owned beauty supply stores and nail shops…if they were out there?! We need to be giving back to our community and helping one another!
July 26, 2010 4:04 pm
Should Vogue, and Elle, and Marie Claire, and Glamour NOT hire black stylists – if they are the best fit for the job?
So then, why should Essence NOT hire a white stylist – if she is the best fit for the job.
We cannot be hypocrites! If we expect white fashion publications to hire black models, and stylists, and editors, etc… (if they are the best fit for the job) … Then we should also want black publications to hire white models, and stylists, editors, etc — if they are the best fit for the job!
July 26, 2010 4:09 pm
Should Vogue, and Elle, and Marie Claire, and Glamour NOT hire black fashion director – if they are the best fit for the job?
So then, why should Essence NOT hire a white fashion director – if they are the best fit for the job.
We cannot be hypocrites! If we expect white fashion publications to hire black models, and stylists, and editors, etc… (if they are the best fit for the job) … Then we should also want black publications to hire white models, and stylists, editors, etc — if they are the best fit for the job!
July 26, 2010 4:09 pm
I really dont see what the big deal is… I truly do not.
Yes this is a magazine that historically caters to black women but from some of your mouths Essence has been out of touch with what matters to you a long time ago. All of the ppl that could have or have made it great have left so what are they to do? At the end of the day this is a business and it has to make money.
None of us know what happened with contract negotiations or why she was chosen other than she had a resume that was better than the rest. Im sure the powers that be, including the BLACK editor-in-chief, took into consideration the possible fallout over such a controversial appointment and still went ahead because that was the best decision for the magazine. This isn’t a case of white making right to me but having a different set of eyes that will interpret global and runway trends as a whole and bring them to you the reader. She still has her black staff of assistant/associate editors, stylists, interns and a slew of other folks to help her present “black style” to the readers, and the Laquan Smiths of the world will still have a forum to be featured. The content of the magazine is not going to change – just how its fashion editorials are presented.
This isn’t brain surgery or curing cancer…its just fashion people. If you don’t like it don’t support Essence anymore and start your own magazine.
July 26, 2010 4:18 pm
@ Sierra- You took the words out of my mouth. I’m sure other important magazines have knowledgeable African Americans leading their departments. @ T- RLMAOOO i feel the same way.Sheessh!
July 26, 2010 4:51 pm
Okay, Essence is a magazine targeted at black women.
Are all of you saying that black women can no longer be an authority on things like fashion? This woman may be qualified, but her hiring is just an affirmation that black women seemingly cannot even get their own ish together.
I wish the new fashion director luck. I hope she can turn Essence around. But I also wish there was a black face that could have done the same.
July 26, 2010 6:13 pm
I am disappointed-I can’t really verbalize or write why I am disappointed. I was going to drop my essence magazine subscription when they pulled that Reggie Bush mess. The next thing you know that will have Ochocinco on the cover. They are not meeting my needs as a consumer. AT ALL. I will judge this woman by her character and her contributions, but I am still disappointed. She has one wrong move and it’s over with for Essence. OVER. Where the hell is Suede magazine any damn way? Can we just put Clutch magazine into print and allow Claire to be the fashion director and Erin from scandalous beauty to be the beauty director?
Essence is like, my mother’s magazine. There is a generational gap happening here.
July 26, 2010 6:15 pm
Essence, will be like Black Men’s Magazine and King magazine: The number one place to showcase white beauty.
July 26, 2010 6:15 pm
I didn’t know fashion had a race. I guess u do learn something new everyday.
July 26, 2010 6:24 pm
[...] Controversey Over Essence Magazine's New White Fashion Director … » http://fashionbombdaily.com [...]
July 26, 2010 7:54 pm
Initially, when I first read the news I thought it was just rumor. Now that it is fact, I am indifferent and will have to really take a moment to think this through. As an avid Essence reader, subscriber and collector of their magazines it is disappointing. Just yesterday, I was having breakfast with my family and we talked about blacks and immigrants (us being both) and not making excuses despite obstacles and the like. Of owing our business and bringing in the family so that we can all prosper and teach our children how to build their wealth and to become business owners while still not compromsing who we are. Of working hard and putting in long nights of sweats and tears to build something WE are proud of. Something to call your own.
At first, like everyone my thought was, lets wait and see what this new “white” fashion editor can do. But it really isn’t about what she can or cannot do. Not for me.
Essence was the magazine that you could pick up and there was something in there that you could relate to. Faces that looked like you. Hair that was similar to yours. Bodies that you looked at and smiled because their beauty was being glamorize and accepted.
Essence was about celebrating black woman of all shapes, sizes and color that really captured the “Essence” of who we are. The “Essence” of our lives. The very “Essence” of our legacy and what got us here. To be who we are with NO apologies. Colorful. Loud. Proud. Vulnerable. Strong. Determined. And everything in between.
The editor, while she may be great at design and fashion, CANNOT capture who WE are. What we are about. She cannot capture OUR “Essence”.
July 26, 2010 8:11 pm
I am kind of with Kailee im not sure and on the fence about how i feel about this. Alot of you make very good valid points in your comments though. I can see both sides, one side you shouldn’t just judge the lady right off the bat just because she’s black because i bet if it was the other way around. A black woman gets fashion director of a “white” magazine than and controversy came to her we would be arguing a different say.
Moreover alot of business aren’t really owned or ran by black people. This was our seat in the fashion show like someone said and we just gave it up and sold out. It’s like BET, BET was owned and geared towards Black of course but was SOLD to Viacom from Bob Johnson for millions and look what its come to. . . Nobody knows if this is a good or bad move only time can tell that like someone said.
July 27, 2010 1:41 am
I really don’t see what the big deal is. In fact, I think it’s a great thing that ESSENCE has hired a white person to be apart of their staff. I don’t think we should continue to be so close-minding to think that ESSENCE, just because it is a Black publication, should only hire Black people. As a group, I don’t think that we are ever happy. If a publication such as ELLE, or Cosmopolitan only hired white people in their company, we would quickly jump on that and start calling people racism & etc. Times are changing people and we need to change with it!
July 27, 2010 3:12 am
ELLE, or Cosmopolitan only hired white people in their company, we would quickly jump on that and start calling people racism & etc. Times are changing people and we need to change with it!
**************
That is just it…Elle, Cosmopolitan don’t hire nor promote black models.
July 27, 2010 4:50 am
Ok I’ve read the arguments/comments to this post and I see both sides. Qualifications should always trump race, we shouldn’t play the race card and a “Black women’s” magazine should support women of colour in the industry by having predominately black staff.
… So i went to Essence’s website to find out what they really stand for, or at least what they WANT us to think they stand for…
“The ESSENCE Brand—Where Black Women Come First
ESSENCE is Where Black Women Come First for news, entertainment and motivation. ESSENCE occupies a special place in the hearts of millions of Black women-it’s not just a magazine but her most trusted confidante, a brand that has revolutionized the magazine industry and has become a cultural institution in the African-American community”
In my opinion, Essence has a lot of explaining to do – about how hiring a white fashion director (not just A staffer but DIRECTOR) better helps them achieve their mission. As a regular consumer, this is not directly apparent to me – so they need to explain it.
And yes if you were to substitute the words ‘black’ or ‘African American’ with any other race in the above statement – whether it be Asian, Jewish etc etc… i sincerely doubt that they would allow a fashion director of any other race, white or otherwise to be their fashion director.
This is not the race card, just common sense.
In the end, since this is a business. The sales and profits figures will ultimately show whether or not this was a good decision on Essence’s part.
July 27, 2010 5:09 am
“If there were balance in the industry, if we didn’t have a history of being ignored and disrespected…if more mainstream fashion media included people of color before the ONE magazine dedicated to black women “diversified” it would feel different. ”
THIS SAYS IT ALL.
July 27, 2010 10:30 am
It’s a shame that in this day and age, there are few businesses owned by Black people. Back in the day, prior to desegregation, more Black people owned businesses. It’s a shame that we as a people are for the most part consumers, and patronize businesses/industries that are dominated by Koreans and whites. I’ve been reading Essence since I was eleven years old. Back then it contained articles of substance, e.g. the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa. Now it’s cover is dominated by the same five faces and the same old tired story lines, especially about the Black male shortage. I don’t understand why Black celebrities who have a great deal of wealth or any Black person for that matter who has the desire to do so, doesn’t create more media for us and by us. I knew that Essence was changing when as soon as I opened the cover, I saw a picture of an advertisement featuring white people. We can continue to be underrepresented in the media or create our own opportunities like our ancestors did post-Emancipation.
July 27, 2010 10:59 am
why should it matter. do black make up artists and black hairdressers not work on white models on photo shoots?.. your talent is in your hands and mind not in your color. a staff is put together on talent not race, i am sure other white people work there. black people work where i work…
July 27, 2010 11:25 am
This doesn’t bug me…I like essence and definitely think it is valid…I buy it often, but I think it’s demographic is too wide to be as valuable and helpful as possible. There should be lot’s of people of all colors on all magazine staffs…And, as with all journalism, fairness, objectivity and LOTS of research should be involved. OH boy…and I hope this poor woman isn’t the poster child of being subject to the stereotype of black women and ANGRY and …..ANGRY…maybe folks can take this opportunity to show the world about sisterhood and how accepting we actually are – many of us anyway.
July 27, 2010 11:39 am
maybe you guys should read this- http://projectduh.com/content/2010/07/with-essence-readers-it-does-matter/ shame how we holler race everytime
July 27, 2010 12:17 pm
Sierra: The publications you listed are not SUPPOSE to be “white fashion publications,” as you called them, they are suppose to be mainstream magazines. The business model is to appeal to all women. Essence is a black magazine. Its business model and mission is to appeal to black women.
Second stylists are freelance jobs. This new editor, who is listed in the masthead as contributing fashion director in the June issue, is now a full-time staff position. Her opinion will help direct the coverage of fashion, the models cast for spreads and the celebs put on the covers.
Lola: Your comment, “If you don’t like it don’t support Essence anymore and start your own magazine,” I read as a throwaway comment. Yeah, just start a magazine because you know it’s easy and mags (and newspapers)haven’t been shutting down in record numbers during the past two years. (525 North American magazines folded in 2008, according to Mediafinder.) Don’t support Essence and just say goodbye, now. I understand that most of the commenters are simply readers/perusers/ignorers of the magazine, while there are a just a few commenters that get Ms. Davis’ disappointment. As someone who has worked in both the fashion and publishing industries, I understand her frustration and sadness. As poster, Dari said, “Maybe this is the only woman who wanted to take the job…I have doubts in this economy.” I doubt that, too. I, too, did think that maybe Essence would be the place that would “nurture and create black (female) fashion talent on all levels, editors, stylists, designers, photographers, models.”
And yes, Ms. Davis’s comment: “if more mainstream fashion media included people of color before the ONE magazine dedicated to black women “diversified” it would feel different,” is the point.
July 28, 2010 1:42 pm
@sassy Im going to take your “you know its easy comment” as you being facetious because you completely missed the bigger point. If you dont like/agree/believe with something dont support it. If company does not meet your needs or standards use your voice aka your dollars and put it somewhere else i/o complaining about how they dont “get me anymore” or “im so devastated by that action”. That statement they will hear loud and clear.
There is Jones and Uptown in print, and Clutch, Honey, and FashionBomb online that have stepped up and become in my mind the Essence of our generation – if you like them support them and help them grow. If you have the means to start your own magazine that employees who you want than do that. There are other options out there. Even if there weren’t we live in a country where you can create them. Don’t support something just because it has always been there or its owned by certain people even though agree with them.
And I will say this again – no one know who interviewed for and declined the job. No one knows why she was selected. She very well may be the best person for the job but most are not considering that. I have worked in the fashion industry as a buyer, in PR and currently as an independent business owner so I know what goes on. I understand where all of this frustration is coming from but I also understand that you want the best people to help move your business forward, regardless of color.
July 28, 2010 1:58 pm
I also want to raise one other point – When was the last time you saw a designer such as Mooshood or Courtney Washington featured in a editorial in Essence? Or a story abt African women making clothes/bags etc in order to pay for school and make their family better? Better yet when was the last any of us regularly patronized any of those businesses?
If every one of us commenting here looked down out what we are wearing right now or in our closet very little of it is black owned. We purchase our wardrobes predominately from chain stores like macys, saks, forever 21. Some even call ourselves Barbie or think of ourselves as a Carrie, Samantha or Charlotte…
The fashions that have been featured in Essence, save a few, have been the same things you will see in Vogue, People, mainstream media. Having a non-black fashion director changes that how exactly??
Its just clothes people.. not ending the war in Iraq, not curing aids and cancer, not creating jobs… clothes
July 28, 2010 2:09 pm
I love how most responders want to give this person a chance…too bad when decisions are made behind closed doors, people of color, women, and other marginalized groups are not given that same chance.
July 28, 2010 3:16 pm
My last comment was cut off but I wanted to point one other thing out:
When was the last time Essence featured a designer like Moshood or Courtney Washington in their editorial layouts? Or profiled one of the many clothing and accessory companies that pay women in Africa fair wages so they can start their own business, send themselves and their kids to school or make a better life for themselves in general? Better yet when was the last time you patronized businesses like these or demanded they be featured in the magazine?
If all of us commenting here, including myself, looked down at what they are wearing right now or what was in their closet 99% of it is not black owned/created/supportive. We buy our clothes from chain stores like macys, saks and forever 21. Some of us call ourselves Barbie or consider ourselves a Carrie, Charlotte, or Samantha and sometimes go as far as dressing exactly like them. The brands we covet and deem “hot” (ie Louboutin and Gucci) are the same ones that every other magazine is covering. If you look in at the editorials in Essence they only differ from the likes of Vogue, People and the mainstream media because the models wearing the clothes are black and/or full figured… how is having a non-black fashion director change going to change that?
Like I said before this is not about curing cancer and aids, eliminating poverty, ending the war in Iraq or World Peace… it about clothes and who decides which ones we see on a piece of paper on a monthly basis
July 28, 2010 9:56 pm
This woman has been a contributer for the last six months. Now that folks know her race, a stink is being made. WTF?!
I’m amazed at some of the comments. All black women are not the same. We do not all have the same sensibilities in fashion. We are not all the same size. We do not have the same silhouette. Defining yourself by your ethnicity is just as small minded as when others do it to us. Sure we share a history but we shouldn’t be anchored to the past by holding on to a perspective that limits us.
If this woman, regardless of her race, interprets the vision as the editor, then that’s all she needs to do. If you don’t like it, don’t by the magazine. You better believe they’ll make a change.
July 28, 2010 10:58 pm
We have to lead by example people — If we want white magazines to hire black employees, THEN we should also be okay with a black magazine hiring white employees.
July 28, 2010 11:52 pm
Any body who knows the history of how Essence arrived where it is today would be upset. The magazine may believe the new “white kid” on the block can unlock more white doors; even that will rob the magazine of the potential victory it once had to continuing unlocking those doors itself. Will we always believe that the highest heights in life somehow require white intervention? “This too shall pass” (no pun intended)
July 28, 2010 11:57 pm
What are you people talking about? Of course its about color, always has been and always will be. Look, Essence lost the eye of its black audience a long time ago. It had to find a way to gain attention in regaining and increasing sales. Now by hiring some white fashionista thats worked for them over the last 6 months, this tells them that she understands what comes from our hearts, our soul, our minds and the struggles we have gone through to personalize and individualize our beauty. What is Essence trying to say? Should we no longer embrace our beauty? Should we abandon what weve accomplished through the years? Do any of you at Essence remember how long it took you to look at your selves in the mirror and truly accept your look?
Look they’ve taken it all. R. Bush,K. West, T. Woods. Even our black men think beauty means being white with blond hair and blue eyes. Get the picture? Yes it may be owned by someone white, it was entrusted to someone black to make it work and keep it black. Now you’ve gone and given it back. Just like they knew you would. YOU couldn’t do your job effectively so YOU caved in under the pressure. the onous is now on you. Readers, stop reading, subscribing and purchasing this magazine they don’t want us anyway. They’re no longer targeting us, so let them have the magazine. We never seem to rally together for important things but let’s this one time join forces.
July 29, 2010 1:00 am
[...] already been a lot said about this story, so I’ll try to make my comments on this brief. Aside from the most [...]
July 29, 2010 6:12 am
[...] Editor-in-Chief Angela Burt Murray (left, with Mary J Blige and Mikki Taylor) responded to the controversy over hiring white fashion director Ellianna Placas: She said, “I understand that this issue [...]
July 29, 2010 4:40 pm
In 2009 Michelle Obama was not obligated to wear clothes designed by a black designer.
In 2010 Essence magazine is not obligated to hire a black fashion editor.
Why so much anger black women?
you have no problem gluing the white woman’s hair to your scalp, so why do you have a problem with her being your fashion editor?
Essence picked the best woman for the job and that woman is a white woman.
So why the anger, when the mother of your first black president is white?
The logical next step for Essence magazine is to feature President Obama’s white mother on the cover of Essence magazine for mother’s day 2011.
LOL,
Amnau Eele
Black Artists Association
July 30, 2010 4:43 pm
It is all very sad…opinion is easy to give…judgment is easy to pass. I am disappointed.
July 30, 2010 9:29 pm
This is a sad day for Essence. I have long ago cancelled my subscription, secretly hoping Essence would one day find its soul again. Too bad. Susan Taylor, where are you. I know you understand. We need you back at Essence. What a slap in the face to the very people who have supported Essence for years and made it great. This is what our thanks is. Too bad. I urge every subscriber to CANCEL THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS IMMEDIATELY. Essence no longer wants, needs or appreciates us.
August 5, 2010 3:02 pm
[...] Fall Fashion Issue: The 40th Anniversary Issue will feature the first official fashion spreads by Essence’s controversial fashion director, Elliana Placas. Though it’s unknown if Elliana styled the cover, I’m sure the inside pages will [...]
August 20, 2010 12:52 pm
[...] African-American fashion journalist Robin Givhan of the Washington Post offered her thoughts on Essence Magazine’s Ellianna Placas scandal today: In her article, she gives kudos to Essence for being inclusive, saying that black [...]