Cameroonian photographer Mario Epanya went all out in his campaign to make Vogue Africa a reality. In order to get publisher Conde Nast to see the potential in the magazine–that would pay homage to African women–he created fictional covers, featuring gorgeous images, but it looks like it wasn’t enough.
Conde Nast has turned down Epanya’s bid for the magazine. “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,” he posted on his Facebook page.
Vogue is currently published in 18 countries and one region. Condé Nast has not officially commented on their decision. Ironically, Vogue Italia featured Epanya in a full feature.
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?
Want to see more of the fictional covers that Epanya created? Click through the next pages…
CR
7/20/10, 21:20:pm
SO WHAT? We don’t need validation from Conde Nast. If there was ever a Vogue Africa, white women would be featured in it anyways so it doesn’t matter. Vogue is not made for us. They only feature a black cover model when it is appropriate for the moment- ie- Michelle Obama, on becoming First Lady, and Jennifer Hudson when she won the Oscar.
Conde Nast Says No to Vogue Africa « Fashion Insomniacs
7/21/10, 00:01:am
[...] flew off the magazine racks in 2008, are you really surprised that Conde Nast rejected the idea? (Source) Published [...]
moe
7/21/10, 00:11:am
other people hate black beauty!!! they dont want to see a black woman being in a mag. They would rather see them in a foodstamp line, with babies and no baby daddy. And our men in handcuffs, or running up court or down somebody field, they are not ready for positive role models.
you know me
7/21/10, 06:29:am
I see why the women are beautiful but that graphics are the worst. I cant see the vision!! Its always power in clarity.
sbsmiles
7/21/10, 08:20:am
I would like to see more beautiful brown faces on the covers of high fashion magazines just as much as the next person. However, Conde Nast is looking at the venture from a business perspective. The company has cut quite a few of their magazines due to the lack of financial resources to maintain them. There would be no financial incentive for the company to make an investment in a magazine that targets a small portion of its reading population. In order for them to re-consider a venture like this, you would have to show profitability.
Vogue Africa, We Hardly Knew Ye | Afrobella
7/21/10, 12:29:pm
[...] Surprise, Surprise – Conde Nast says no thanks to Vogue Africa on Madame Noire. [...]
DIVATUDE
7/21/10, 12:43:pm
CREATE YOUR OWN MAG! THERE ARE ENOUGH ONLINE MEDIA OPTIONS OUT THERE FOR US TO DO OUR THING.
No Vogue for Africa « Quite Continental
7/22/10, 12:10:pm
[...] Via: Clutch/Madame Noire [...]
blackisbeautiful
7/22/10, 14:25:pm
I am in full agreement with CR. We need to stop seeking validation from others and forge new paths for ourselves. They do not GET IT. Just like when they said there wasn’t a market for Tyler Perry plays/movies. He proved “them” very wrong. We must continue in this spirit so that they have no choice but to listen. It’s sad that in 2010 we are still trying to be recognized and seen…with a black president to boot (sad). But a cause I will support and move forward until the day I die!
WHO DEFINES UR BLACKNESS? More Black Publications Hire White Fashion Directors & We are Still Asking Why Young Black Children Still Choose the White Doll over the Black Doll. « Global Fusion Productions Inc
7/24/10, 00:52:am
[...] declined Cameroonian photographer Mario Epanya’s creative crusade in trying to bring about Vogue Africa. As much as I applaud Mario for his obvious creativity, I wish we would stop chasing mainstream [...]
nashawn
7/26/10, 17:44:pm
well honestly i don’t know too many women in my circle that reads vogue. I don’t buy vogue so I don’t care but those covers are beautiful and if a mag that put women on the cover that looks like me were to ever hit stands her in the US i would buy it. I’m tired of reading essence I need something new.