Vogue is showcasing 2018 as the year of black women. The January cover featuring Lupita Nyong’o and the February cover starring Serena Williams kick off the magazine’s awaited releases.

Blackness has always been at the forefront of fashion, whether credited or not. The trends that grew out of cultural expressions ended up grasping the interest of the mainstream. So often, the higher end brands made it a policy to monetize black inspiration, while rejecting the legitimacy of a black audience. The narrative of blackness within fashion is tumultuous and transparent of a climate tainted by racism and gentrified capitalism. The appraisal by mainstream fashion does not add value to blackness, but it does offer a space where blackness is valued.

While some brands still struggle to make amends with the black community (understand the latest H&M controversy), others realized the marketing power behind an inclusive policy. Vogue is one of the household names in fashion that succeeded in acclaiming black beauty without robbing it of its props. With their latest covers, it is safe to say that in 2018: Black is the New Vogue.

Lupita Nyong’o graces her fourth cover for Vogue magazine

Vogue allows us to wander in the world of “ Black Panther ” cast-favorite Lupita Nyong’o. Under the directorship of fashion’s very own Tonne Goodman, Lupita Nyong’o gracefully sets the tone for a year of promising Vogue content.

Serena Williams opens up

The icon shares stories about marriage with Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian and childbirth scare of daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. The duo is celebrated on the cover where mother and daughter are beautifully pictured by Mario Testino and styled by Tonne Goodman.

There is still progress to be made but initiatives such as the Vogue US covers are the first steps towards the path of ultimate black recognition within the fashion industry. Representation matters and it is exactly why Lupita and Serena’s covers matter.