Cover Girls

Vogue Italia is always ahead of the game and I'm hoping more magazines around the world look to them for inspiration. For the June 2011 issue, Italian Vogue featured three plus-sized models posing for the cover. I couldn't believe it at first, but the surprise was a pleasant one.

By now, everyone must be tired of hearing about the stereotypical weight issues associated with the fashion industry. Model weigh ins, skeletons walking the runways and even deaths caused by anorexia.

Lately many women have been speaking out about having lower self worth after reading a fashion magazine. Air brushing and unhealthy models do not make the average woman feel good about herself or her body. And just because the models featured in June's issue are bigger, it doesn't mean they aren't as beautiful. In fact, these women have bodies, real bodies for that matter.

Editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani told Women's Wear Daily, "We help [plus-size women] dress fashionably. We say: It's pointless for you to buy leggings, take this because this will look good on you. We help them choose. We don't talk about diets because they don't want to be on a diet, but it's not a ghetto. Why should these women slim down? Many of the women who have a few extra kilos are especially beautiful and also more feminine."

Finally, someone is catching onto the idea that not all women are below one hundred pounds while being six foot something accompanied by stick legs and a teeny tiny waistline. And in no way do I believe this is a publicity stunt to increase sales. I am seriously impressed with the cover and the inside spread featuring a lot of food, a lot of nudity and a whole lot of woman.

Tribal Trend

The tribal fad is back this season with a brighter and bolder colour palette than ever. Patterned frocks, aboriginal jewelry and African head wraps can all been spotted anywhere from luxury runways to the racks of trendy shops this summer.

Missoni, Oscar de la Renta, Matthew Williamson, Naeem Khan, Pollini, Lanvin, Just Cavalli, Diane von Furstenberg and Proenza Schouler all have beautiful tribal-inspired pieces in their spring/summer 2011 collections. Any shopper can score affordable tribal clothing and accessories in every day stores like H&M, Urban Outfitters as well as Anthropology.

There is a certain way to wear this look successfully though. Be cautious that an all-tribal ensemble could easily look like a Halloween costume. The key is to stick to one or two pieces at a time. A detailed frock doesn't require any accessories or over-the-top shoes. Let everyone marvel at the prints and patterns of the dress instead of trying to keep track of everything going on with the outfit. My favourite look is a white summer dress with a tribal bag and matching heels as pictured above. I also adore white skinny jeans, a loose fitted tank top and a multicoloured Peruvian belt.

Enjoy the warm weather with this fabulous look. And for those globe trotting this summer, be sure to pick up lots of tribal-inspired accessories while vacationing in those exotic locations and touring through the local markets.