French Vogue does blackface.

• Controversy  was sparked — and rightfully so — over French Vogue’s 14-page photo spread featuring supermodel Lara Stone in blackface.  I don’t know where to begin. For starters, blackface is completely offensive to black people and there’s nothing cheeky or fabulous about it.  Secondly, black models don’t get nearly enough opportunities, so why would the magazine decide on using a “faux” black model instead of hiring the real thing? Perhaps an argument could be made that Tyra Banks has “painted” white models “black” during several seasons’ of “America’s Next Top Model.”  Since she’s a black woman, is it the same thing or is there a different intention when the photo shoot and editorial is controlled by a white woman?

• A Newsweek journalist criticized Angelina Jolie for not combing/styling her adopted daughter Zahara’s hair.  The writer, who happens to be a black woman, called little Z’s hair a “hot mess.”  Never mind that I wish I had a copyright on that phrase, but what’s wrong with letting this little girl’s hair grow free of chemicals and the hot comb?

Angelina Jolie with her daughter Zahara.

Yes, Zahara’s hair would look cute braided or up in a pony (as it has been worn in the past), but I disagree with writer Alison Samuels that her hair looks dry and unkempt.

If Zahara’s hair really starts to look crazy, you better believe I’ll be one of the first to say so.  But at the moment, I think it looks clean, curly, and cute. Sounds like the real issue here is that some black women don’t feel Jolie is qualified to raise a little black girl.  And that’s a whole nutha ball of hair…and wax.

• Now that I’ve told you what I think, I’d like to hear your opinions on the Vogue blackface controversy and the state of Zahara Jolie-Pitt’s hair.

Image credit: Steven Klein/French Vogue, Bauer Griffin

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Bianca (5'7) has high hopes on America's Next Top Model - Cycle 13

After watching both shows this week, however, I noticed a common thread. Beyond the obvious fact they’re both about models, each reality show has a strong-willed black female “character” who has been pegged as the the witch of the model house.

On “Top Model,” it’s Bianca, who likes to complain about her makeup and wardrobe and whose photos have been consistently hard -looking and unattractive.  On “Models of the Runway,” Fatma, a striking African woman, is the resident troublemaker prone to hyperbole (”What will become of me?” she pondered after her designer picked another model).

Initially, I also labeled these ladies as problem children.  The latest episodes of each show, however, have revealed that although Bianca and Fatma have a flair for the dramatic, they’re also sensitive and real, unlike some of their catty counterparts.

Just when I was really starting to like her, Fatma was sent home.  But Bianca finally opened up about her abusive relationship and showed her softer side during the last “Top Model” photo shoot.  Let’s hope she can maintain her improved model behavior.

Image credit: Lifetime.com, America’s Next Top Model

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Canada's Next Top Model host Jay Manuel

New episodes air Tuesdays at 8 p.m.  Here are four things that make this franchise fresher than Tyra Banks’ original U.S. version:

1. Jay Manuel aka Mr. Jay is the star.  On “America’s Next Top Model,” Jay is the flawlessly made-up, silver-coifed  photo shoot art director, but on “Canada’s Next Top Model” the Toronto native and makeup artist fills the Tyra spot as host and head judge.  He can even smile with his eyes!
2. The girls actually look like models.  They’re tall and skinny and come to the judges’ panel dressed the part, unlike many of their wardrobe-challenged American counterparts.
3. The show’s production value is far superior to “America’s Next Top Model,” which seems to have regressed in quality since it debuted in 2003.
4. Cuddly and lovably bitchy fashion stylist Nole Marin, who was a judge on the first American season, directs the photo shoots here. 

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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Tyra Banks

That said, Tyra has made no secret about her post-modeling career weight fluctuation (remember when she told her haters to “kiss her fat ass”?).

I think she looks like a real woman with curves in this belted beige dress that hits her in all the right places.  But what do you think — is “Top Model” Tyra on top of her weight?  Or is she losing the battle of the bulge? 

Is Tyra winning the battle of the bulge?

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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The stunning 20-year-old with impossibly high-cheek bones couldn’t deliver the easy, breezy, beautiful Cover Girl commercial lines to save her life, but she knows how to smile with her eyes like a pro.  Teyona is my favorite winner since Dani.  I hope she really makes it to the top.

Teyona, winner of America's Next Top Model

Image credit: America’s Next Top Model

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Amina is one of my favorite contestants.

I watched the premiere episode of Cycle 12 last night on the CW and so far my favorites made the cut.  But the aforementioned cocky girl, Sandra, was almost sent packing. Looks like someone needs a slice of humble pie.  I meant that figuratively since it’s not like models actually eat pie.

All the drama aside, what I love most about the show is that it gives models of color an opportunity to be on top.

Sandra should learn to play nice.

Image credit: CWtv.com

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Hot Mamas,

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Feb. 13-20) at Bryant Park, and I’m off to the tents, baby. I’ll do my best to bring you up-to-date coverage of the shows, events, and parties I go to. Today I got a sneak peak at the Fall-Winter 2009 trends that will rip the runway at Loris Diran’s pre-Fashion Week afternoon showing. Loris recently opened a boutique in lower Manhattan and his Fall collection was elegant and wearable. Wool wide-legged trousers and organza blouses and dresses were a hit, and from what I saw it appears that long leather gloves will be a hot accessory this autumn.

So stay tuned. Tomorrow I’m going to the Heart Truth Red Dress fashion show that benefits women’s heart disease. Rumor has it that Michelle Obama was invited to model in the show, which in past years has featured celebs-cum-models including Angela Bassett and Phylicia Rashad wearing red designer gowns.

Over the next 8 days, I’ll post more insider news and fashion commentary here on Hot Mama Daily, with a focus on designers and models of color.

Ciao for now,

Tracy

(Photo and video provided by Tracy E. Hopkins)

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Lovable America’s Next Top Model contestant Toccara Jones is a voluptuous beauty. Or F-A-B as she is fond of saying with a head tilt and finger snap.  Recently Toccara scored a major coup as the most-featured model in Italian Vogue’s historic issue dedicated completely to black models.

So it’s really disappointing to see the BET host at the American Music Awards in this frumpy, church picnic getup.  And the overdone makeup does nothing to distract from the bargain basement, polka-dot dress.

But maybe I’m just a hater : )  Do you think Toccara’s ensemble is fab or drab? 

Photo credits: Newscom 

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