There is no doubt in my mind that wherever Franca Sozzani is in this realm, she is having a big party celebrating this phenomenal Vogue Italy cover. The renowned editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Throughout her career, she was not merely a tastemaker; she was a relentless advocate for diversity, a philanthropist, and a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations.
Her impactful journey led to championing diversity, conducting the business of fashion ethically, boldly supporting ethnic models and plus-size models, and challenging industry norms. Her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers in the fashion world created a more inclusive space within the fashion realm, redefining beauty standards. Beyond trends, her editorial decisions consistently aligned with the belief that beauty is multidimensional and that there was not one standard of beauty.
One of her blogs, entitled and inspired by French novelist Marcel Proust, Sozzani shared the sentiment, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” This encapsulates her approach to unraveling the layers of the world, going beyond surface-level beauty to capture the essence of diverse experiences. I identify with this sentiment having experienced the world from the perspective of many cities.
Eight years after Franca Sozzani’s unfortunate passing, her legacy remains vividly present. Francesca Ragazzi, the Head of Editorial Content for Vogue Italia, boasts an impressive 11-year tenure within the Conde Nast family, ascending through various roles from intern to editor for Vogue Italia, Vogue US, and L’Uomo Vogue. Alongside a creative team, continuously pushing the evolution of fashion as a conversational piece in modern times, Francesca has unveiled the February Vogue Italia Magazine cover. It stands as a beautiful testament to what Franca stood for and an eminent success that Francesca will undoubtedly continue to build upon. This powerful representation of diversity goes beyond showcasing models; it delicately addresses the complex issue of racial identity and intricacies, doubling down on a new wave. #unity
Round About in Raleigh North Carolina via Ryan Herron for Getty Images Signature
They are celebrating being Italian while representing their multicultural background and I believe that this is how a country becomes powerful by playing a distinctive role in leading the way toward a more inclusive and accepting society. Challenging societal stereotypes just like Michelle Ngonmo does every year with her African Fashion Week in Milan. I’ll do a piece soon on her.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen a group of models on a cover; there have been plenty of cultural resets witnessed with group covers. From a fashion standpoint, this might, if I am not mistaken, be the first time all models represent Italy, embodying the famous Benetton ads‘ as united colors ( ethnicities) . Styling by Imruh Asha is immaculate, and I am not biased because of his Dutch Caribbean background, but the girls—Valeria, Maty, Adele, Ajok, Malika, Paola, and Marina—in the Red Ancora SS24 from Gucci look fresh and ready to conquer the scene. All their features are highlighted, making it a staple for this fiery moment in Italian fashion history.
Sabato de Sarno’s inaugural collection with Gucci shines through, summoning the free-spirited times of the 90s, an “ancora” to those nostalgic days. It’s the excitement of unwrapping the plastic off your newly purchased CD and popping it in. The newly appointed creative director is no stranger to the fashion industry, having worked for 13 years alongside Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli and previously at Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. His collection feels like a sincere representation of retro, fresh, simple fashion—a departure from Alessandro Michele’s Wonderland extravagance. The red pieces, perhaps a homage to Valentino or the soon-to-be Year of the Dragon, are well-balanced and human. This monumental moment made my week, and I thought, “What a group of talented people, hmm, maybe Italians might do it better.”
Credits:
Photographer Mark R Kean
Stylist Imruh
Hair Ryan Mitchell
Make-up Anthony Preel
Nails Hanae Goumri
Stylist Assistants Aroua Mari & Camilla Poce
Production @nilmproduction
more on Vogue Italia , Magazine on stands today.
Credit Image; Peter Lindbergh, Mark Kean, Riccardo Raspa, etc.
