Mirror Image

The September issues of Ebony and Essence magazine are both well worth reading for the best in fashion and style tidbits and history. As the onslaught of thick glossies heavy with advertisements and fashion spreads hit my desk with a thud, I found that both of these magazines stood out. They were chocked with information I couldn't find anywhere else and celebrated a history that is all too hard to find.

We'll start with Ebony.

Super models Tyra Banks, Iman, Kimora Lee Simmons and Alek Wek are on the cover dressed in satiny black dresses by designers of-the-minute designers Rachel Roy and Tia Cibani of Ports 1961, Zac Posen and Antonio Berardi. (Good choices!)

Beyond writer Keith Reed's cover story on the 411 of these super models/designers, (By the way, Alek Wek's story is the most gripping.) there are eye opening stories about important Americans who toil behind the scenes in the fashion world, unknown to most of us.
Tracy Reese, Kevan Hall, Lloyd Boston and Epperson are among the few highlighted in the interior design and fashion worlds.

The fashion spreads are reality-based with afrordable clothes. There is a neat story on the history of Ebony Fashion Fair. (I learned something) And the magazine even paid homage to venerable fashion journalists including Andre Leon Talley of Vogue, Washington Post Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Robin Givhan, The Wall Street Journal's Teri Agins and E-bay style expert Constance White.

Those interested in the inner workings of the fashion business - black or white - should pick up a copy.

Now on to Essence. Yes, we all know by now the Philly-bred songstress Jill Scott broke up with her husband of five years, Lyzel. And that's sad.

We bet you haven't read about Scott's journey with the biting zing we all love author Teri McMillan for. (I interviewed McMillan three years ago when she broke up with her husband and she really talks just like she writes. It's so refreshing.) McMillan was tactful and tasteful in the interview; she was nosey, but not too. She was thoughtful and I laughed out loud when I read her fashion commentary on Jill's hair.

On a side note, all of you women who write us about plus-sized looks should study Jill Scott. She makes being curvaceous an awesome fashion statement!

This fall's makeup and hair tips should definitely be read.

And a great article on Michelle Obama, illuminated the possible future first lady's elegant style. Obama is a definite role model.

Fashion is nothing if not timely and these September mags celebrate diversity of fashion with a cutting edge.