Curve Magazine’s 20th anniversary issue, on newsstands Sept 17, 2010, will include a very special feature using high-visibility models in the lesbian community to raise awareness of American civil rights inequalities affecting the LGBT community, such as “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” Proposition 8, and marriage equality. A pro-gay fashion spread, fashion editorial and interviews with supermodel Yaya Kosikova; MTV VJ and America’s Next Top Model Kim Stolz; Top Model and OurScene host and After Ellen blogger Jessica Clark; and model Sara Jones brings together some of the most talented professionals in the fashion industry. The shoot produced and photographed by fashion photographer Meagan Cignoli put together a gay and gay-friendly creative team including celebrity stylists Gregg Hubbard, Andrea E. Wilson and Amy Salinger, with the post production team at La Boutique led by Michelle Massarro.
“As a fashion photographer, I have the pleasure of working with so many talented designers, top models, and creative stylists within the LGBT community, but rarely do we get to celebrate and showcase their contributions so explicitly,” said Cignoli. “I thought this shoot was a great opportunity to build awareness, promote acceptance and showcase the fashionable side of lesbian culture using four out lesbians who are active ambassadors of gay rights.”
For this very special shoot, the models wore high-end designer sportswear by Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Westwood, paired with pro-gay T-shirts from American Apparel and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
The LGBT community has a high profile in the news this summer, with the July 7 release of the gay-themed mainstream movie The Kids Are All Right starring Annette Bening and Julianne Moore and the August 4 overturn of Proposition 8, California’s voter-approved ban on gay marriage. With Hollywood and national politics paying attention to LGBT issues, it only makes sense that the fashion industry and Curve Magazine should shine a spotlight on this community as well.