Black is Back…

Tyra Banks, Iman, Kimora Lee Simmons and Alek Wek are going to grace the cover of Ebony magazine’s September issue, out August 13th. The issue celebrates the influence of Blacks in fashion. The 50 page spread will pay homage to everyone from fashion designers, stylists, models and fashion icons. "A lot of the times the fashion world doesn't give a lot of attention to American Black girls from urban areas," notes Banks on Page 64. "I don't mean to pat my own back, but America's Next Top Model pulled down the curtain to this world that people thought they couldn't be a part of. Now every girl is like, 'I want to be a model.' I feel like the world is more accessible, but by no means is it less prestigious." Tell it sista! Be sure to pick up a copy next Monday.

Extra Baggage...

Alek Wek looking her usual fabulous self!
Bags and belts from Alek's Fall 2006 collection.

Alek Wek, the infamous model from Sudan, has her own bag collection named WEK1933. In fact, she’s owned it since October 2001. The first collection consisted of 23 pieces, mainly bags and accessories, made from a variety of textures and colors. I had heard that she designed bags but I had no idea how extensive her collection was. Her items can be found on every continent; here in the U.S. you can buy her bags in boutiques based in New York, Washington D.C., Florida and Minnesota to name a few. Visit www.alekwek1933.com to see the full listing of stores and to see her designs for yourselves.