British Vogue unveiled its new Feb. 2022 cover featuring an all-African troupe of models, which received praises on Twitter. Adut Akech, Anok Yai, Majesty Amare, Amar Akway, Janet Jumbo, Maty Fall, Nyagua Ruea, Abény Nhial and Akon Changkou all posed for the cover of the fashion magazine. The stunning image of the women comes as a new push within the industry to include more models from various ethnic and racial backgrounds.
With a new generation of African models in the spotlight, fashion is at last embracing what it is to be truly global. With British Vogue's momentous all African February cover, meet the young women redefining what it is to be a model: https://t.co/I5J2Yps09I
pic.twitter.com/WAPV2feNob— British Vogue (@BritishVogue) January 13, 2022
Social media quickly began praising the magazine for the breathtaking work behind the stunning cover, which showcases the beauty of dark skin tones on the models who have been credited with forging their own fiery path.
The cover serves as a celebration of "the beauty of Black women"
Shot by Rafael Pavarotti, the photographer says the illustrious cover is meant to capture the group of women as all-time fixtures in the fashion industry.
“This is a celebration of women, of matriarchy and of the beauty of Black women,” says photographer Rafael Pavarotti of his first British Vogue cover shoot. “They are the past, the present, and the future.” https://t.co/o2jE6jfdFk
pic.twitter.com/LeIgoFaDI8— British Vogue (@BritishVogue) January 13, 2022
Makeup artist Ammy Drammeh told the outlet she was inspired by a photo of the iconic Grace Jones for the look.
“African women and their elegance is at the centre of this beauty look,” Drammeh said. “That elegance is innate, you know? They’re not trying, they just are.”
She added that she didn't want to do too much on their faces, just “highlight their natural beauty, while creating something chic and elegant — I wanted to stay away from all the clichés, like creating a tribal look on an African story… I didn’t want to go there.”
Fans can't get enough of the images
Twitter users rose up in a frenzy after the official pictures were dropped online.
"BRITISH VOGUE….THIS IS A SERVE.. like this is just so beautiful to see," one person wrote.
BRITISH VOGUE IS THAT GIRL! pic.twitter.com/hW1ygLn6sY
— Miss KIDCORE™️ 2022 (@LOUIS_via_ROMA) January 13, 2022
"You can’t deny the beauty that’s black! Ever!" another said.
The group cover for British Vogue is just like insanely stunning. pic.twitter.com/KFZNUxJWl5
— Kyle Bella (@quixoticblazes) January 13, 2022
"The rise of the African model is a permanent change"
People also praised the magazine's editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, who is of Ghanian descent.
"The overwhelming message left with people as the photos continue to resonate amongst a global audience is this: The rise of the African model is a "permanent revolution," Enninful wrote in British Vogue.
"As any fashion watcher will have seen at the season’s shows, the rise of the African model felt, at last, like a permanent revolution. No longer just one or two dark-skinned girls mingled backstage, but a host of top models took a meaningful, substantial and equal place among the most successful women working in fashion today," he added.
