Anna Wintour at the Burberry fashion show last month. Press Association via AP Images

Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of fashion bible Vogue magazine, was just given a big promotion — named the artistic director for all of Conde Nast, the publishing company behind that and many other notable magazines. According to The New York Times, the position was created for her as a way to keep her at the company and to fulfill the duties that are slowly being relinquished by the company’s 85-year-old head, S.I. Newhouse Jr. She told the Times that she views the new position as “almost like being a one-person consulting firm,” giving her the ability to work with other editors outside of Vogue and Teen Vogue.

In his role, the paper says, Si Newhouse would look over the covers of some of the company’s magazines, including Vanity Fair and Glamour. And Wintour says the role is one that will be much like one she fills now, talking with people in the broader industry about their ideas. If you’ve seen The September Issue, you’ve probably marveled at the level of influence that she has on top designers and retailers. The specifics of the new position haven’t been mapped out, but the position does make her “one of the most powerful women in publishing.”

So congratulations Anna! Except, people are already buzzing with “concern.”

“We have a lot of autonomy as editors … No one wants to see that go away. People need a little more clarity,” an unnamed source tells WWD. (via NYMag.com) Another says that the competition between the magazines could get in the way.

The way it’s framed in the Times article, having someone look over their work should be something that the editors at Conde are used to. So a part of me wonders if Wintour’s reputation is getting ahead of her. People are already “worried,” but she’s not even a day into the position? And given her success with Vogue magazine and the problems in the media industry, wouldn’t you welcome the chance for a little counsel from a woman who’s at the top of her game? Who’s hanging out with the President and First Lady and a leader of one of the biggest nights in New York society, the Met Museum’s Costume Institute Gala?

A part of me feels like this is a reaction to a powerful woman being given a little more power. What do you think?

Michelle…you better work!

The First Lady of the United States is looking regal and fabulous on the April issue of Vogue, her second cover to commemorate another four years of the fierce fashionista that is Michelle Obama. On the cover of the mag, you can see her in a gorgeous Reed Krakoff dress and diamond-drop earrings, sitting on a table with her bangin’ bangs and bright smile. As for inside the issue, Michelle and President Obama open up about their family, their relationship and their critics. The latter including people who like to claim that the First Family is more antisocial than those of past, not extending invitations to kick it at the White House to those with opposing ideas in office in Washington, but Michelle makes it clear that while they don’t mind rubbing elbows with who they need to, that’s definitely one of their main priorities:

“Our job is, first and foremost, to make sure our family is whole. You know, we have small kids; they’re growing every day. But I think we were both pretty straightforward when we said, ‘Our number-one priority is making sure that our family is whole.’

“The stresses and the pressures of this job are so real that when you get a minute, you want to give that extra energy to your fourteen- and eleven-year-old. . . .”

Michelle also talks about the man her husband is, and why he’s so damn cool–aka, relatable for many people:

“I’ve tried to explain this guy to people over the years, but there is a calmness to him that is just . . . it has been a consistent part of his character. Which is why I think he is uniquely suited for this challenge—because there is a steadiness. And maybe it’s because of his Hawaiian upbringing—you go to Hawaii and it’s Chillsville; maybe it was because his life growing up was a little less steady, so he had to create that steadiness for himself . . . but he is that person, in all situations, over the course of these last four years, from watching the highs and lows of health-care reform to dealing with two very contentious, challenging elections. . . . The most you get from him is ‘You know, that is gonna be tough. . . .’ There are a lot of times I can’t tell how his day went. Unless I really dig down. Because when he walks through that door, he can let go of it all. And it just doesn’t penetrate his soul. And that’s the beautiful thing for me to see as his wife. That was one of the things I was worried about: How would politics affect this very decent, genuine, noble individual? And there is just something about his spirit that allows all that stuff to stay on the outside.”

I also love the back and forth between these two, as they talk in the interview about the early struggles in their marriage of getting adjusted to each other’s personalities, but how years together have made them better people. And funny people too:

POTUS: “There’s no doubt I’m a better man having spent time with Michelle. I would never say that Michelle’s a better woman, but I will say she’s a little more patient.”

FLOTUS: “I would say I’m a better woman. You couldn’t say it.”

POTUS: “I couldn’t say it,” he says.

FLOTUS: The First Lady looks at me: “It’s good that he learned not to say that.” And then turns and looks at him and smiles. “Don’t say that.”

*Sigh* I just think they’re amazing. And the article about the couple in April’s Vogue is pretty amazing too, as it gives a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the White House and how they as a couple keep their heads with the spotlight constantly on their every move. They already came off as very human and relatable, but the article make you appreciate their down-to-earth personalities even more. Pick up the new issue when it hits newsstands on March 26.

 Photos courtesy of Vogue by Annie Leibovitz

In honor of Women’s History Month this March, we’re counting down monumental magazine cover firsts for African American women.

Though it was just a sketch, in January 1965, Donyale Luna became the first black woman to cover Harper’s Bazaar.

Andre Leon Talley with designer Stella McCartney. PatrickMcMullan.com via AP Images

Anyone who knows fashion has heard of Andre Leon Talley. Besides being a man about town — seen at fashion and celebrity events — Talley is a longtime Vogue contributing fashion editor, served as a fashion correspondent for Entertainment Tonight, and was a former judge on America’s Next Top Model where he frequently declared that contestant photos had reached low levels of “dreckitude.” 

Now Talley is bringing his fabulousness to late-night TV. He just signed a deal with Electus to create his own talk show. He’ll also serve as co-executive producer. The show will most likely land on a cable network.

Talley told Womens Wear Daily (via The Grio) that he and Electus are designing a show that mixes “eloquence and sophistication with unparalleled access into my international fashion lifestyle. A forum where unique stories will be told and inspirations shared.”

There is other news for Talley. While he will still contribute to Vogue, he is exploring other special projects within Conde Nast publishing. Talley first started working for Vogue in 1983, after spending a year at Ebony as fashion editor. According to Talley’s Vogue bio, he left the magazine for two years in 1995 and moved to Paris to work for W.  And in 2003 he released A.L.T.: A Memoir  followed by a second book, ALT 365+ , in 2005.

Yesterday news broke that a top secret photo shoot was going down at the White House when the Washingtonian spotted a team from Vogue scurrying across the White House lawn with cameras, making their way into the First Couple’s home. It seems that First Lady Michelle Obama may be gracing the cover of the iconic magazine’s March issue.

It is being said that famed celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz was responsible for capturing the magic on Vogue‘s behalf.

So far there’s no word on what the FLOTUS wore for the shoot, but according to reports, Vogue generally allows their subjects to choose from a variety of carefully selected clothing, shoes and accessories.

It hasn’t been revealed whether or not President Obama had any involvement in the shoot; however, his public schedule was open yesterday.

At this point, these are all speculations made by the Washingtonian and Vogue has declined to comment on them, but the idea of the First Lady appearing on the cover of Vogue‘s March issue isn’t exactly far fetched since she appeared on the fashion publications March issue back in 2009, which was also captured by Annie Leibovitz. When asked about the First Lady’s potential cover shoot, Vogue‘s Director of Communications, Megan Salt responded “We never comment on rumors about future editorial.” This news comes in the wake of previous circulating rumors that Beyoncé would be on the cover of the publication’s March issue.

Mark Knoller, CBS News’ White House Correspondent, however did confirm Vogue‘s presence at the White House yesterday via his Twitter page.

“Today at the WH. No public events on the president’s schedule today, though Vogue is bringing camera gear into the WH this morning,” he tweeted.

He also revealed that a Vogue rep. was also present on the presidential press plane earlier this week.

“Vogue also had a representative on the press plane to and from Las Vegas Tuesday.”

While all of this is exciting, all we can really do is wait for the issue to hit newsstands. I think that Bey would make a wonderful cover girl, but we’ve been seeing a whole lot of her lately. I would love to see to Mrs. Obama grace the cover again.

Photo courtesy of WENN

Jazmine Denise is a news writer for Madame Noire. Follow her on Twitter @jazminedenise.

WENN

No matter whether you think these ladies are fierce fashionistas or look a hot arse mess on the regular, the fashion experts at Vogue have decided that Solo and Zoe were two of the best dressed women out there this year. And in the end, when you’re trying to make a name for yourself as a savvy sartorialist on top of a star, what Vogue says is all that matters, right?

The women were handpicked for rocking and killing it in some of the most stylish ensembles this year, and because they proved that fashion has evolved and isn’t as boring and matchy matchy as it used to be. There was no particular order in the top 10, but Emma Stone, who is on the list, snagged the cover of the “Best Dressed” issue. But as for the sistas on the list, we’re excited that not only are Solange and Zoe listed, but real life NBA wife Kimberly Chandler was picked for her chic looks as well. Isn’t it nice to see an actual basketball wife get notoriety for something more than rachetry? Do your thing Kim! In honor of being part of the new fashion elite, we’ve also decided to share a few of our favorite looks from these ladies below. Whose style do you think is “Best Dressed” worthy? And of course, check out the other women who make up the best dressed according to Vogue. Congrats ladies!

SOLANGE

Lia Toby/WENN.com

WENN

Getty

ZOE SALDANA

FayesVision/WENN.com

Andres Otero/ WENN.com

FayesVision/WENN.com

KIMBERLY CHANDLER (Err, please excuse Tyson’s looks…)

Vogue

Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com

Anthony Dixon/WENN.com

Who doesn’t know that controversy sells? Controversial videos get clicks (Ciara’s “Ride,” and Nicki Minaj’s “Stupid H*e” get banned from BET, but were big hits online), controversial movies sell tickets (Passion of the Christ anyone?), and controversial music can’t be turned away from. And yes, even magazines that do the most sell many copies, and if that’s not enough, they remain in people’s memories a lot longer than a tame cover (Who remembers a Rolling Stone cover with Usher versus the iconic cover with Janet Jackson’s husband holding her boobs??). Some controversial covers are made infamous because of overreactions by a few, but sometimes, they’re made infamous because they honestly weren’t the best idea in the first place. This slideshow is a mix of both. Check out these covers and tell us if these publications had the game all wrong, or if people were just tripping as usual. And of course, be prepared to click!

Source: Us Magazine

So either Rihanna and Chris Brown really aren’t back together yet or the singer’s whole single and ready to mingle tagline is just becoming a part of her image because in the November issue of Vogue, Rih Rih definitely appears to be on the market– much to her chagrin. According to excerpts obtained by US Magazine, The 24-year-old told the mag:

“I have not been on a date in forever . . . Like two years. Haven’t gone to the movies, to dinner. Zero.

“I would love to go on a date. You don’t think that? I’m a woman. A young woman, vibrant, and I love to have fun. And I have too many v*gin*s around me at this point.”

“All I want is a guy to take me out and make me laugh for a good hour and take my a** back home. He doesn’t even have to come up. All I want is a conversation for an hour.”

Hopefully Katy Perry doesn’t take offense to that va-jay-jay crack, but I think any woman can admit she’s felt how Rihanna claims to feel at this point. Good company — and conversation– from a man is definitely not easy to find. You’d think that wouldn’t be the case for a bombshell like Rihanna, but she says she can’t even get an invitation for a night out.

“No one asks,” she claims. “Trust me on that. I’m waiting for the man who’s ballsy enough to deal with me. I’m going to wait, though. You always find the wrong s**t when you go looking.”

Speak. on. that.

I’m sure the tally would probably be divided on whether Chris Brown has the cojones to handle an older Rih Rih, although I believe most would agree she needs to wait and not chase, like many feel she chased away Karrueche to get Breezy back on the navy’s seaside bank. Not letting on to the true status of their relationship — or perhaps not given a chance to update the magazine since the viral tale of the R&B singer caught between two lovers hit the Internet a couple weeks ago –Rihanna simply said this of her ex:

“To the world, I feel like there’s no closure. There’s some obsession that’s continued even throughout when we weren’t friends or couldn’t be friends at all. Hated each other. The world hasn’t let go.”

She said that their newfound public friendship is “a bit of a fascination, I guess . . . I don’t know if people will stop soon, but I feel like as soon as they have closure to it, they will.”

Rihanna also added that concerned onlookers are “not on the inside. They can’t see what I see, unless they’re sitting in my point of view. I guess I’ll learn to accept that.”

With Chris Brown back on the market, the concern over their relationship is certainly not likely to let up. Do you believe Rihanna’s really single?

Vogue – Norman Jean Roy

Who said reality stars can never make the A-list? Whoever said that hasn’t seen the accomplishments of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, NeNe Leakes, who has slowly but surely morphed infamy from her tongue-lashing time on the show to the opportunity to do other reality shows (“The Apprentice”), start businesses, and become an actual respected actress. If you thought her showing up on “Glee” was interesting, homegirl is a regular cast member on the successful new NBC comedy, “The New Normal.” She plays Rocky, the assistant to Bryan, one half of the gay couple hoping to adopt. Coincidentally, “The New Normal” is created by the same man behind “Glee,” Ryan Murphy, so he’s clearly a big fan of NeNe to make her a regular on his new show. Recently, the series was featured in the newest issue of Vogue, and the magazine didn’t pull a Taraji on NeNe, as she was invited to strike a pose with her cast mates. She looks pretty great too in her Stella McCartney dress and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. WORK!

Leakes seemed to be very excited about the shoot too, as she previewed a picture of the spread with herself and Ellen Barkin via Twitter:

“Check me out n the October issue of Vogue wit my “New Normal” cast! That’s my girl @EllenBarkin did I say Vogue?”

Yes, boo, you did say Vogue. Let’s keep it really real. This is a big feat for a reality star, as aside from Jennifer Hudson (who was on a reality TV competition and was featured as a cover girl), I haven’t seen too many other reality chicks featured in the magazine. Hell, Kim K hasn’t been anywhere near the magazine’s cover, spreads or ads since she blew up, so this is kind of like a big deal. It’s safe to say that NeNe has been very smart about her business and is moving up the ranks in Hollywood. People have been talking in think this should be her last season on “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Enjoy the photo and let us know your thoughts on whether or not NeNe should chuck the deuces to reality TV for good now that’s she’s somewhat of a serious actress.

More on Madame Noire!

• Make It Last Forever…Not! Why Couldn’t These Couples Make It Work?
• No He Didn’t! That Time My Friend Got Dumped Over Something Extra Stupid
• WANTED! Stars We Haven’t Seen In A Minute!
• Do You Have Bad Relationship Karma? Here’s How to Shake it…
• Predicting The Future: How To Tell What Your Man Will Be Like in 10 Years
• Where Are They Now? 8 Sassy And Silly Sidekicks From Some Of Our Favorite Black Sitcoms
• Did You Know They Dated (Part IV)? 14 Celeb Couples We Were VERY Surprised By

Debra Messing, Michael Kors and Kate Upton were just some of the celebs making the rounds during FNO. This was taken at his East Side store. Image: Aaron Showalter, New York Daily News

Last night, the world celebrated shopping. It was Fashion’s Night Out, the evening that fashionistas of all levels can head out into the streets of cities around the globe and expect to see celebrities, get free booze, stand in line for stuff and maybe even buy a thing or two.

FNO (as all the cool kids call it) started in 2009, after the economic collapse led to a drop in sales for clothing and accessories. At that time, Vogue editor Anna Wintour wanted to spur spending. Now, it serves more as an exercise in audience participation for the much more exclusive Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. And thousands of people surely did come out, clogging the streets and packing the stores.

Image: Tonya Garcia

Along 34th Street in Manhattan, signs invited people in to shops to celebrate. But it was when you got to Herald Square that the party really started. We walked past a stage with loud music (but minimal dancing) on the way into Macy’s, which had events on seemingly every floor.

At 7:30, fashion designer and Project Runway judge Michael Kors was meant to make an appearance, but at that time, the MC was still announcing names for people that, as best we can tell, had won some sort of raffle. Note: The photo above was taken at Kors’ East Side shop, not at Macy’s. We never actually got to see him, though we did take a look at his line of shoes. We asked a woman standing in line whether she was waiting to meet the designer.

“I think so,” she responded. So theoretically, she could’ve just been standing in line for her health. But whatever. Everyone was just happy to be there.

It should also be noted that people, some in large groups, were strutting about the second floor dressed like they were heading to the club to pop bottles in the VIP section. Or wait behind the velvet rope in the hopes of getting to the VIP section. One or the other.

High off of the many squirts of perfume that were fired my way as I left Macy’s, I thought it would be a good idea to head over to a Target pop-up store in the Meatpacking District, which featured the five special collections available this fall. After zipping through the line to get in (Hugo Boss, Diane von Furstenberg and other high-end shops in the neighborhood had lines that were at a standstill), I waited in line to get into the Kirna Zabete shop to look at the women’s fashions, which were very nice, though I couldn’t find my size. All around were people grabbing free bottles of soda, moving to the music (FNO is a big night for DJs, who were spinning everywhere) and chattering blissfully. Over at Odin, the men’s shop, things were much more calm.

Image: Tonya Garcia

“It was packed before,” a salesman told me. “That’s because men know how to shop. They get in and get out.”

Interestingly, the one place where there wasn’t a line was at the cash registers (see right), where we only saw a couple of people actually making a purchase. I was told on the way in that there was a limit of five items per customer, but it looks like there was a lot more cola consumption than actual purchasing.

Also interesting, at least to me, I did manage to get a couple of things from H&M, which offered 30 percent off of the item of your choice, special for FNO. There has always been the question of whether FNO is more for window shopping, freebies and celeb spotting than actual sales, but, according to reporting by Reuters, the organizers of the event declare it a repeated success.

“Data from NYC & Company found that two thirds of stores who participated in 2011 and responded to their survey said store traffic increased as a result of the night,” the article says.

“What happens is there’s a big bump in the stores the following week or 10 days after that. People go and they see … and then they go back to the stores and buy what they want the next day,” the story quotes George Fertitta, head of NYC & Company, the New York’s marketing and tourism group.

Click here for more celebrity images from the New York Daily News. And visit our friends at Styleblazer for additional coverage of Fashion’s Night Out.