Iman, Louise, and Beverly, Oh My!

Hello ladies,
In lieu of Black History Month, I thought I'd introduce you to my thirteen-year-old self's favorite beauty ad. Seriously, can you believe that, back in '88, the fashion world was more progressive than we are now? Three black models, excuse me, black SUPERMODELS, anchoring a major Revlon campaign? Just a little backstory: The Revlon Unforgettable Women campaign was doing major things in the late 80's. Only the toppest of the top girls got to pose in these--girls like Patti Hansen, Christy Turlington, Jerry Hall, and La Linda. So, again, the fact that Beverly Johnson, Iman, and the Lovely and Underrated Louise Vyent starred in their very own ad...well, it's kind of spectacular (a little aside about Louise Vyent: This Dutch-born Surinamese supermodel was major in the 80s and early 90s, racking up Glamour, Bazaar, Elle, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and Vogue covers, galore. Check out some of her best at FashionSpot.com.)! I'd like to say that this famous and fabulous ad came about because, back then, the suits understood the power of the black dollar, but that's not really it. To hear vampy veterans like Iman and Bethanne Hardison tell it, designers, fashion editors and casting agents were truly inspired by breathtaking black beauty--and that's just not happening anymore (pre-pubescent East European catwalk stalkers, anyone?). Also, Bethanne has said on many occasions that back then, the black models were so damned GENIUS that when they were booked, it was because they were the best, not because they were black. I love that.














Don't laugh. I loved this campaign so much, that at a seventh grade slumber party, I recruited my two best friends, Catherine and Caroline, to pose for our very own Revlon Unforgettable Women ad. Yes, I did the makeup and hair. Please check out the blush. How could I not go into beauty after this? By the way, Catherine, the seductress on the far left, is now doing marketing at Bare Escentuals. Do we think that my enforced night o'beauty helped her find her calling?


Speaking of beauty, you ladies are going to adore MAC's new Fafi collection! Fafi, a famed French graffiti artist known for her cutie-pie anime characters, has designed the packaging for MAC's super-bright, springy new line. Not only is it the cutest packaging I've ever seen--Fafi's created a beyond-adorable, sexy little BROWN GIRL that's adorning the hot new Lip Glasses! When I saw this, I almost burst into tears. For our teen girls to be able to whip out a lipgloss with their image emblazoned on the cap...well, it's just really a nice thing. FYI, my favorite is MAC "Fafi" Lipglass in Squeeze It ($14), a brassy plum. Go MAC!