Dayum, girl! Here’s a first look at Rihanna‘s much-hyped layout for Vogue Italia shot by Steven Klein: “Extreme Couture.” Last week, we showed you the cover. Now, we’ve got the spread. Shot in black, white, and platinum, with a lone streak of turquoise, these are some of the boldest, most beautiful pics of Rihanna that we’ve seen thus far. After the jump, more images, and RiRi rocks the pasties. [Fashion Copious]

Vogue Italia certainly knows how to increase sales:

1. Drum up media coverage by launching an all black issue that features only African-American models.
2. Follow up a year later, only replace the models with inanimate black objects and simply drum up controversy.

In its second go-around, the magazine has named Barbie its cover girl of the now annual Black issue. Says editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani, “Barbie has been an icon for whole generations which is why I really wanted to give a strong sign in step with the times, and dedicate the anniversary issue to Black Barbie.” Huh. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

Steven Meisel photographed 42-year-old former model Kristen McMenamy for the cover of Vogue Italia. Looks like the girl’s still got it. [via Fashion Copious]

Christina Aguilera isn’t the only one being inspired by Lady Gaga‘s platinum blunt cut bangs, and hyper sexy looks. The chicest magazine to end all chic magazines, Vogue Italia, is taking a page or two from her style book too. For their June issue, they’ve transformed high fashion model Sessilee Lopez into a Gaga-ette. The multi-page spread features Lopez complete with platinum blond hair, and tight, short, blingy looks. I’m loving what I´m seeing, but dressing Lopez in Swarovsky studded panties and a bustier, holding a tea cup, would have really driven the point home. Yes?

Something strange is going on in the world of fashion, and we’re hoping it stays within the realm of daring performers so we don’t have to participate. Both Beyonce and Rihanna have recently worn accessories that a person who has lost a body part might wear. First, there was Beyonce and her bionic gling, a hand-encompassing ring that bears some resemblance to a high-end prosthetic hand. Then, at last night’s American Music Awards, Rihanna performed “Rehab” with a shiny eyepatch covering her right peeper. We know she didn’t cut her lens, because the thing was gone by the time she started in on the second verse. Why are these two singers sporting these “bodily harm” accessories, and is Lady Gaga wearing a leg brace covered in rhinestones next? Only their stylists know. And speaking of stylists, Bey and Ri either share a stylist or both saw this fashion story in Vogue Italia, which featured a gling AND a silver eyepatch. Coincidence?

Keep reading to watch Rihanna perform “Rehab,” eyepatch and all…

The lack of black models on fashion runways and in ad campaigns has become a persistent issue in the fashion industry. The issue was most recently highlighted by Vogue Italia’s “Black Issue,” which featured only black models on its pages. Some, including editor Amelia, saw the magazine as a gimmick, but it nonetheless got people talking about the issue of race in fashion. Unfortunately, all they did was talk.

If you haven’t heard already, the July issue of Italian Vogue was unprecedented. All the models in it were black. Amidst the buzz that followed, the much-hyped “Black Issue” became such a popular success that distribution was increased by 40-percent, an amazing feat. Some (including me) saw the concept—race as an “issue”—as a gimmick, an attempt to shush critics who frequently point out how little page-time the fashion industry gives to anything other than white faces. But, without a doubt, the issue got people talking about the issues. Now, let’s hope their attention isn’t squandered.

While all the techies were clamoring for the new iPhone last Friday, fashionistas were trying to secure Vogue Italia‘s monumental “Black Issue”—all of the featured models are Black and all the featured content addresses Black women. But don’t fret if you haven’t gotten your copy yet. Conde Nast has increased distribution by 40 percent in the U.S. and Italian copies earmarked for return will be sent to the U.S. The company will also print an additional 10,000 copies to keep up with demand for the issue. Cheers to Vogue Italia for taking this giant leap toward diversity. Now let’s hope special issues like this won’t be necessary in the future. And we’ll be watching the runways in September to see diversity in practice. [WWD]