ÜBER UBAH

Ralph's Spring 2009 campaign

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Italian Vogue's iconic all-black issue
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Bruce Weber - Italian Vogue

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Closing out Ralph
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Backstage

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She could be the next big thing.....Ubah Hassan of Somalia, via Canada. I love that she represents a very different type of African beauty than we are used to seeing - one that is soft, delicate and ultra feminine. Most recent African girls of note (except Liyah) have been very strong, dark skinned, short haired and almost androgynous. Believe me, I love the beauty of all of them and I love to see all the chocolate girls working, but it is great to see some newness. She bucks that trend and I love it.

She also bucks the prevailing trend of rail thin, shapeless blondes. This girl has body and legs for days. I love that she has a very potent sexiness and vivacity about her. She closed Ralph's Spring 09 show and is the newest face in his Spring campaign. Let's hope this is a launching pad to a great, long, illustrious career. You better work those legs, girl........

GIRL OF THE MOMENT - SESSILEE LOPEZ

This girl's career SHOULD, and I stress should, get a huge boost from her recent brilliant cover and editorial work in Italian Vogue. This was singularly one of the best photo spreads in recent fashion history. This girl embodies the true essence of a model. Her transformations from page to page were legendary. Her expressive face and movement of body literally leap off the page. When I say this girl has face, honey, I mean this girl has rock-socking, stop traffic, jaw-dropping, cheek boned, mocha skinned, almond eyed, motherfucking face, dammit. Learn it!!!!!

The thing that is so amazing to me is her striking resemblance to 80's iconic runway supermodel and YSL/Versace muse, Amalia:

Amalia serving lame' realness with fellow African diva, Iman.
Giving arms and attitude for Versace.