No Vogue for Africa

Two of the many covers by Mario Epanya

Dated: Thursday, 22 July 2010
African photographer Mario Epanya's proposition of an African edition of Vogue has been rejected by publishing house, Condé Nast.

Epanya, who created fictitional covers and editorials for his campaign, posted on his Facebook page: "DEAR ALL. The Wait is over. Condé Nast said NO to an African license of VOGUE. So this is the last cover. Enjoy, but it's a beginning of something."

African-American lifestyle site Madame Noire writes: "Obviously, Vogue can still get away with a few editorials featuring Africans and African Americans sprinkled here and there. Although their "Black Issue" flew off the magazine racks in 2008, are you really surprised that Conde Nast rejected the idea?"

Some of those commenting on the story have called on Africans to boycott the other 18 international Vogue editions and opt for local magazines, such as Arise, instead. [Credit: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/no-vogue-for-africa-2032387.html]

***I would like to thank the lovely Natasha for the link to the above piece......But no, I’m not surprised, –I’m afraid my views on this subject –have not been popular, –so I haven’t felt the need to share them. All I’m willing to say right now -is, -the last time I checked, -Africa was a continent and not a country, –nor were its people one homogenised group.... The best Mario Epanya can do -is maybe ask the Vogues to book him for shoots, –plus ….I’m sure we are all grateful for the debate he started [although, -I dooo foresee a Vogue South Africa in the very near future]. For more information about Mario Epanya visit: http://www.marioepanya.com/ –and for more info about the Vogue Africa debate by Mario Epanya on Facebook –visit: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110772562985