Now that the July 2008 issue of Vogue Italia has hit the newstands and selling very well, will this mean a change is coming in the modeling industry when it comes to hiring black models? That’s the question CNN reporter Lola Ogunnaike is asking in her article Will fashion ‘Black Issue’ make a difference?

By Lola Ogunnaike
CNN’s American Morning

NEW YORK (CNN) — With strong sales and equally powerful praise, the July issue of Italian Vogue can be judged a resounding success.

Dubbed the “Black Issue,” the magazine celebrates models of color from the past and present, including Donyale Luna, Liya Kebede, Naomi Campbell, Iman and Chanel Iman.

Within 72 hours, the magazine sold out in the United States and Great Britain. Blog posts and e-mails about the beauty and historical significance of the issue began to flow — and industry insiders were equally pleased.

Praising renowned photographer Steven Meisel, who shot most of the issue’s fashion pictures, The New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn gushed, “I think they are some of the best he’s done. … They are crazily, softly beautiful, plainly the work of someone who knows women and fashion.”

Another 40,000 copies of the “Black Issue” were recently reprinted to meet the still strong demand.

But will the all the hoopla translate into tangible change for black models in the fashion industry? Will more color be seen on the runway and in magazines? Many observers have their fingers crossed.

“All the agents were happy about the issue because it gives us hope that other people will catch on and decide that it’s OK to use more black girls,” said Carlos Ojeda, an agent at New York Models. “It’s OK to have more than just one, and she doesn’t have to always be Naomi.”

Check out the entire article here.

I’m taking a wait and see attitude to see of Vogue Italia has helped promote change in attitudes amongst some of the fashion folks who can’t stand the thought of using black models. Will we continue to hear the same old bs of black women don’t sell magazines? Will the fashion industry continue to use the same blonde models and actresses every year?  Or will the fashion industry step into the 21st century and realize that beauty comes in a variety of colors?