Once upon a time only models and the biggest names in fashion could could grace the covers of Vogue, Elle, Harpar's Baazar and Marie Claire. However, the exclusivity of magazine covers had to broaden their spectrum, editor's began looking for a way to gain readers in the age of online-everything. Slowly, there was shift in what was considered fashion forward, covers began to feature academy award-winning actresses and pop icons as the focal point. The proof of the evolution can be found in the September 2014 issue of American Vogue. The anticipated release dons a cover with fresh-faced top models Joan Smalls, Cara Delevingne and Karlie Kloss. However, what truly has fans buzzing is the fashion spread within the magazine that features model Chanel Iman and her rapper boyfriend A$AP Rocky.
Although, these fashion monarch's have adapted over the years, one group of entertainment appears marginally excluded from high-fashion publications, hip-hop rappers and entertainers. Rapper Kanye West has become known for his rants or 'streams of consciousness' as he calls it about his constant battle for recognition in the fashion world. According to Abc News West's rant at the Wireless music festival in July targeted Nike and the Gucci group for trying to marginalize him because he was a black entertainer.
Surprisingly West's rant came after he and his then fiancée Kim Kardashian snatched the April 2014 cover of Vogue. Many high-fashion critics had much to say about having an egotistical rapper and reality star donning the cover of the fashion bible. However, it appears Editor-in-chief Anna Wintor saw the need to move forward with the changing culture of fashion. The Kimye appearance in Vogue opened up the floodgates for more rapper-model couples.
This week a few pictures from the September 2014 issue of Vogue have surfaced online via Twitter. Thanks to user @Fucci, fans were able to get a sneak peak of the editorial shoot. Rocky and Iman appear totally in sync with one another in their dirty dancing inspired shoot. According to the images on Complex the rapper appears masculine yet romantic as he twirls and dips girlfriend Chanel Iman in a series of flowing designer gowns. Although Iman is breathtaking in the photos, Rocky proves he will not be out done as he dons his infamous silver grills wit a half buttoned collared shirt tucked into a pair of perfectly tailored slacks.
Rocky and Iman may have not scored the cover, however it appears hip-hop is ready to fully infiltrate the fashion industry, is fashion ready for a whole new audience?