Halle Berry To Cover Vogue's September Issue!

After weeks of speculation, WWD confirms that Vogue editrix Anna Wintour has tapped Halle Berry for the cover of the mag's coveted September issue!

In the words of Vice President Joe Biden, this is a big effin' deal! The September issue of fashion magazines, particularly Vogue's, is the biggest issue of the year and officially launches the Fall fashion season. To grace the cover of the September issue -- VOGUE'S September issue -- is a coup for a model, so I'm ecstatic that a sista gets the spot (although it would've been extra sweet if an actual black fashion model got the cover).

This will be the second time in Vogue's history that a Black woman has landed the September issue cover. The first was Naomi Campbell who was on the September 1989 cover.

Naomi Campbell - Vogue September 1989

(Photo: ClayCane.net)

Ms. Berry's first (and only much to my chagrin) Vogue cover was their December 2002 issue.

Halle Berry - Vogue Dec. 2002

(Photo: ClayCane.net)

Now, you all know how the magazine industry likes to say, "Well, Blacks don't sell" as an excuse not to have us on fashion magazine covers, so be sure to purchase a copy (or two or three) to prove them wrong. If we don't support us, who will?

Vintage Photos Of The Week

This is one of my favorite pics of President Barack Obama (at the time, Senator Obama) and his daugher, Malia. Miss Malia is looking just too precious in her fuchsia dress and black patent leather Mary Janes, as she rocks her afro puffs!

Here's another one of my faves. Then-presidential candidate Obama took a break from the campaign trail to have fun on the bumper cars with his youngest daughter, Sasha (aka Sasha Fierce).

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Vintage Video Of The Week

Most people think the late Lena Horne's first movie was Stormy Weather. Not true. In 1938, when Ms. Horne was 19 years old, she starred in a musical called The Duke Is Tops (re-released as The Bronze Venus in 1943). These "race movies" were prevalent in the 1930s and 40s, usually low-budget and made strictly for the African-American audience.

Above is a scene from The Duke Is Tops/The Bronze Venus with Ms. Horne singing "I Know You Remember".

SPECIAL NOTE: Tonight, the Turner Classic Movies channel will pay a special tribute to Ms. Horne with a collection of films from her movie career: The Duke Is Tops, Panama Hattie and Cabin In The Sky. The tribute will begin at 8pm EST. For more info, check out the TCM website.

Enjoy!

FLOTUS STYLE: Stately Glamour II

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama pose with Mexican President Felipe Calderon and his wife First Lady Margarita Zavala before the White House State Dinner

First Lady Michelle Obama turned heads at last night's White House State Dinner in a stunning sapphire blue gown designed by Chicago designer, Peter Soronen.

The gown, a one-shoulder silhouette, was made of layers of chiffon with whispers of lamé for sparkle. A fully-boned corset and a pavé belt, Mrs. Obama's sartorial signature, accentuated Lady O's svelte waist.

An ebony halo of curls, sapphire and diamond drop earrings by Sutra Jewels and peep-toe kitten heels finished completed the look. Simply regal!

Oh, and President Barack Obama didn't look so bad himself! Aww...They're so cute!

LEGENDARY: Lena Horne, Our Bronze Venus (1919-2010)

Lena Mary Calhoun Horne

Singer, Actress, Civil Rights Activist

(June 30, 1917 - May 9, 2010)

Stormy Weather was the first all-Black classic film that I had ever seen (and helped to establish my love for Black classic films). When I was a kid, the local television station would, once or twice a year, air this classic, and I would stop whatever I was doing to watch it. My favorite part was when Lena Horne's character, "Selena Rogers", sang Ms. Horne's signature song, "Stormy Weather" as the great Katherine Dunham danced in the background. Like everyone else, I was in awe of her beauty and the classy way she carried herself. Ms. Horne as a glamourous, sophisticated leading lady was a welcomed depature to the maid and "mammy" roles I was accustomed to seeing Black actors play when watching films from yesteryear.

It wasn't until I got older, and read more about Ms. Horne, that I learned that she was more than a pretty face. She was a pioneer who broke barriers for Black performers, becoming the first Black actor to sign a contract with a major Hollywood studio. Ms. Horne was also a fierce advocate for Civil Rights, working with Paul Robeson (which caused her to be blacklisted during McCarthy's Red Scare), refusing to perform for segregated audiences at USO performances, participating in the March on Washington in 1963 and, my personal favorite, throwing at lamp at a customer who made a racial slur at a Beverly Hills restaurant. In Brian Lanker's book, "I Dream a World: Portraits of Black Women Who Changed America", Ms. Horne said, "I was always battling the system to try to get to be with my people. Finally, I wouldn't work for places that kept us out. ... It was a damn fight everywhere I was, every place I worked, in New York, in Hollywood, all over the world".

Thank you, Ms. Horne, our Bronze Venus, for showing the world that Black is beautiful, strong, elegant, classy and courageous.

"I don't have to be an imitation of a white woman that Hollywood sort of hoped I'd become. I'm me, and I'm like nobody else." - Lena Horne

Suggested Reading:

The Hornes: An American Family  by Gail Lumet Buckley

Vintage Photo Of The Week

The Legendary Nicholas Brothers with their mother Viola

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND!!

Enjoy!

LisaRaye Explains Why She Always Wears White

OUT & ABOUT: The 2010 Costume Institute Gala

It was a night of fabulousness as fashionistas gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Spring 2010 Costume Institute Gala, hosted by Vogue. Held every year on the first Monday in May, this year's gala celebrated the Costume Institute's new exhibit, "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity". Media goddess Oprah Winfrey co-chaired the event along with Vogue editrix Anna Wintour, and Gap Exec. V.P. of Global Design, Patrick Robinson.

Of course, our fashionistas were out in full force, as you can tell by the slideshow above.

FLOTUS STYLE: The Dining Diva

(Photo: Getty Images)

(Photo: Reuters)

Our First Lady Michelle Obama looked ravishing at last night's White House Correspondents Dinner in a form-fitting red jersey dress by Prabal Gurung, spotted by the good folks at Mrs.O.

Here's what the dress looks like from the back, albeit in white:

(Photo: PrabalGurung.com)

Mrs. Obama chose two gorgeous cuffs to accentuate her ensemble: A white Bakelite cuff, with gold filigree and rose-cut diamonds from Bochic's Arabesque collection, and an 18 carat gold cuff with a 10 carat raspberry tourmaline stone, surronded by rose-cut diamonds in a star burst motif, designed by Sutra Jewels.

The Bochic cuff:

(Photo: Bochic.com)

(Photo: Getty Images)

Mrs. Obama's black jade and diamond earrings were also designed by Bochic, according to Mrs. T at Mrs.O.

Vintage Photo Of The Week

Lola Falana in Faberge's Tigress Perfume Ad

(Photo Credit: Temple of Schlock)

When Faberge selected singer/actress/dancer Lola Falana to be the face of their Tigress perfume campaign in the mid-1970s, they were making history. This would be the first time that an African American woman served as a spokesmodel for a cosmetic line that was not solely for Black folks.

Enjoy!

JONES Magazine Goes National!

I am thrilled to announce that JONES Magazine is now available to the masses!

Tracey Ferguson, founder and editor-in-chief of JONES Magazine, along with The NorthStar Group, announced the offical national launch of the luxury lifestyle publication last week, as well as a brand new website, JONESMag.com. Supermodel Veronica Webb graces the cover of the premiere issue.

Founded in 2005 by Ms. Ferguson as a regional magazine to serve women in the Houston area, JONES caters to African American and multicultural women who have an appreciation for the finer things in life. "The magazine appeals to stylish and chic multicultural women and serves as a premier shopping guide," says Ms. Ferguson.

I can't wait to get my hands on a copy, and I encourage WSOIC! readers to subscribe or purchase a copy as well. If we don't support us, who will?

In the meantime, you can catch Ms. Ferguson on her reality show "Keeping Up With The Joneses" that airs on Thursdays at 8pm EST on the Centric channel.

She's Baaaaack!

(Photo Credit: WWD/Will Ragozzino/PatrickMcMullan.com)

Our favorite fashionista is back on the scene, much to the chagrin of her haters (Looking at you, Robin Givhan, Sally Quinn and April Ryan).

Desirée Rogers attended the New Museum Spring Gala on Thursday night in NYC, her first public appearance since she resigned as White House Social Secretary. She looked gorgeous in a pale yellow Calvin Klein mini-dress paired with Jimmy Choo Elapheskin & Eelskin Sandals.

Ms. Rogers spoke highly of her replacement, Julianna Smoot saying, "I love Julianna Smoot. I think she's doing a great job". And, of course, she sang the praises of our First Lady Michelle Obama: "I think Michelle is looking great".

This won't be the last we see of Ms. Rogers. She will be attending the White House Correspondents Dinner in D.C. on May 1st. And what will our fabulous diva wear to the soiree? Jason Wu, of course.

A Queen And Her Crowns: In Memory of Dorothy I. Height

On Tuesday, we lost a soldier in the fight for Civil Rights. Dorothy I. Height passed away after a short illness. She was 98 years old.

While not a household name, Ms. Height had an enormous impact on the Civil Rights Movement as she served as president of the National Council of Negro Women, worked to integrate the YWCA and served as one of the senior organizers of the March on Washington. In 1994, Ms. Height received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004 for her hard work.

Ms. Height was well known for her gorgeous collection of hats (or as we like to call them, crowns), as well as her lady like style of dress. I believe she used her fashion as a weapon against discrimination and racist stereotypes. Her crowns, dresses, pearls and crisp white gloves sent a clear message: "I, too, am a woman worthy of respect".

Thank you, Ms. Height. May you Rest in Peace.

Vintage Photo Of The Week

Peggy Dillard-Toone - Vogue Aug. 1977

(Photo: Albert Watson)

Enjoy!

Vintage Photo Of The Week

Billie Holiday

Jazz Singer and Songwriter

(April 7, 1915 - July 17, 1959)

Must. Have. Those. Earrings. NOW!

Enjoy!

Vintage Photo Of The Week

Easter Sunday in Harlem, 1947

Henri Cartier-Bresson

(Photo: Henri Cartier-Bresson/Magnum/The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

 
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!
 
Enjoy!

Thandie Newton is the New Face of Olay

Actress Thandie Newton has just signed on with Olay to be the new face of their Total Effects skincare line. The 37-year-old British beauty will appear in their ad campaign to commemorate the brand's 10th year in the U.K.

Ms. Newton tells Grazia magazine, "When filming, my working day is hectic, so trying to strike a balance between work, a family and time for myself can be challenging….Olay is a brand I trust and I love the fact that the range offers me an all-in-one, anti-ageing moisturiser which takes care of all my skincare needs."

Olay is thrilled to have Ms. Newton on their team, siting her as an "inspirational figure" for working mothers. "Thandie's pragmatic approach to a beauty routine ensures her skincare is as multi-tasking as she is".

At this time, the ads will only appear in the U.K, but we're hoping to see her in the U.S. in the near future.
(Hat tip: Beauty and The Dirt)

(Photo: Grazia Magazine)

Talking Hair with Wendy Williams

Talk show host, Wendy Williams isn't just the "Queen of All Media", she's also the "Queen of Weaves, Wigs and Extensions"! Here she is on ABC Nightline talking about one of my favorite subjects: Hair!

Vintage Video Of The Week

Since Academy Award winner Mo'Nique graciously paid tribute to Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American to win an Academy Award, in her acceptance speech, I thought it would be fitting to take a look at Ms. McDaniel's acceptance speech.

For more information on the life and career of Hattie McDaniel: Hattie McDaniel (Bio.Com)

OUT & ABOUT: Oscar Fashions!

I think Anika Noni Rose's gown was the most underated of the night. I loved the jewel-encrusted bodice and the drapping of the skirt. Flawless!

Nicole Ritchie has come a looooong way, baby! She looked absolutely gorgeous in a vintage inspired sequined Reem Acra gown, Judith Leiber clutch and diamond and blackened platinum jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz. I love the eye makeup! Definitely one of my favorite looks of the night.

Queen Latifah looked regal in a pink, one-shouldered gown with rhinestone embellishments by Badgley Mischka. The mermaid silhouette perfectly accentuated her curves. Beautiful drop earrings made of South Sea pearls, diamonds and pink sapphires by Chopard complete the look.

Best Actress nominee Gabourey Sidibe worked the red carpet in a royal blue gown with silver beads embroidered in a flower pattern designed by Marchesa, one of my favorite designers. Jewels were by Lorraine Schawrtz. Ms. Sidibe said of her dress, "If fashion was porn, this dress is the money shot".  Well, alrighty then!

Zoe Saldana brought the DRAMA in a Givenchy Couture gown from Richard Tisci's Spring 2010 collection, and not necessarily in a good way. I love ombré, but not this execution of it. All of that tulle at the bottom makes the gown look too costumey for the Oscars.

This blue Valentino gown does nothing for Mariah Carey, except make her look matronly. I think she's been listening too much to the fashion critics who say she should tone it down, and ended up playing it too safe. The peep-toe nude Louboutins are gorge, but way too casual for this event. I have mixed feelings about the diamonds. On one hand, I think Mariah was using them to jazz up the gown and bring a bit of old school glamour to the Oscars, but I think she may have overdone it just a bit. Love the brooch, though.

Zoe Kravitz is coming into her own as a fashionista. Here, Miss Kravitz dons a sophisticated strapless blush gown, accented with cognac red velvet by designer Alexis Mabille. Vintage 1920s Fred Leighton diamonds finished the look.

Paula Patton chose to bring a bit of Spring to the affair in a bright orange Carolina Herrera ensemble. All jewelry by Martin Katz.

Oprah Winfrey, my mentor and auntie in my head, was exquisite in this navy blue number by Carolina Herrera. I LOOOOVE this color on her! BTW, did you all notice that all of the women behind the movie Precious, with the exception of Paula Patton, wore variations of blue? Says Ms. Winfrey, "That was just some sort of divine synchronicity, I guess from Hattie McDaniel".

(Photos: Getty Images)