Essence’s White Fashion Director Ellianna Placas Causes Controversy

Via Huffington Post

Essence Magazine has been called out by some of its readership and supporters for reportedly hiring a white Fashion Director, according to CLUTCH Magazine. Ellianna Placas, formerly of O: The Oprah Magazine and US Weekly is said to be starting at the magazine in September, although Essence hasn’t made an official announcement. But just the speculation prompted writer Michaela angela Davis to tweet: “It is with a heavy heavy heart I have learned that Essence magazine has engaged a white fashion director, this hurts, literally, spiritually.” On Facebook, Davis wrote, “If there were balance in the industry; if we didn’t have a history of being ignored and disrespected; if more mainstream fashion media included people of color before the ONE magazine dedicated to black women ‘diversified’, it would feel different.”

Fashion media personality Najwa Moses told CLUTCH, “How could such a prestigious title who is deeply rooted in its target audience let someone who is not even apart of the African Diaspora detonate our image?” She added, “How can a White woman dictate and decide what style and beauty is for the Black woman?”