Meet Tyler Mitchell, The Beyonce-Selected Black Photographer Making History With 'Vogue'
Beyoncé has the fashion world going APESH*T with recent news that she will cover this year's September issue of Vogue.
This will be her second time gracing the illustrious September issue. As one of only four black women to ever cover the September issue (including Naomi Campbell, Halle Berry and Lupita Nyong'o), this is a pretty big deal in the fashion industry. But in true Beyoncé style, a little history isn't quite enough. Not only will she grace the cover, she has retained full editorial control over her image and will be writing all of the captions, too. According to The Huffington Post:
"The publication is contractually obligated to give Beyoncé full control over the cover, the photos of her inside the magazine and the captions, which she has written herself and are in long-form, according to two sources who are familiar with the agreement between Vogue and Beyoncé but aren't authorized to speak to the press."
If you know anything about the fashion magazine, the September issue is THE issue of the year. The cover is the most coveted, and Anna Wintour exerts full control over every detail—from the wardrobe to the photographer to the questioning in the interview of the cover star. While it is reported that Beyoncé will not be giving an interview, she one-ups everyone with this last detail seemingly overlooked by the mainstream media. She has commissioned Tyler Mitchell as the first black photographer to ever shoot the cover of Vogue in the publications 126-year history. Go back and read that again. Iconic!
But who is Tyler Mitchell?
The 23-year-old Atlanta native may be young, but he has already established himself as one to watch. The photographer and videographer was recently named by Dazed as one of "25 emerging photographers to put on your radar now", and with the Beyoncé co-sign, he is now on all of our radars. As a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Mitchell got his start early on by capturing the New York and Atlanta skate, fashion, and music culture.
He's also has major collaborations under his belt like working with rapper Kevin Abstract and designer Marc Jacobs. With credits that include Teen Vogue, i-D Magazine, Dazed, Vogue US, Office Magazine, Candy Magazine, and The FADER, the photographer is no stranger to the print magazine world. Mitchell has also self-published his first photography book entitled El Paquete, which captures the emerging skate culture and architecture of Cuba.
And unless you've been living under a rock, we have seen Beyoncé morph into an unapologetic black queen who uses every opportunity to flex her black culture like a superpower and watching her make us all proud of our blackness. From the Lemonade visuals to her epic Coachella performances, Bey has established a clear motive in the way she wants to depict herself: a strong, black woman.
Perhaps this is why she has chosen Mitchell to shoot her for the cover of Vogue. He tells The New York Times of his own works:
"I depict black people and people of color in a really real and pure way. There is an honest gaze to my photos."
This honest gaze is one thing we can look forward to. Mitchell is also very serious about his craft and is no iPhone photographer. While he doesn't dismiss the digital art space, Mitchell is very aware of the relevance that print publications still have. And while many publications are moving away from the printed page and onto hand-held devices, there is still something very special and ironically nostalgic about picking up a publication and being able to flip through its pages. Mitchell tells Dazed Digital:
"I think magazines are a great way to be like, 'This is important enough to be published on the printed page.'"
With this opportunity, whether he likes it or not, Mitchell has an important obligation to get it right. This moment in black history rests on his shoulders (no pressure), but based on his prior works and the very few interviews he's given, it seems that Mitchell is up for the challenge. He tells Dazed Digital that he wants to remove all of the labels we normally associate with the black body and remind everyone of our humanity. He says:
"My work attempts, on some level, to depict black men and black people first and foremost as not just 'things'. And I employ aesthetic beauty to do that. We have been 'thingified' in this country – bodily, sexually, emotionally, and socially. The works try to break free of any notion of this 'thingification'. It tries to just breathe. There's a softness that I like to evoke, that isn't sexualised, or sensationalised, it just is. It's inherently human; being black."
Mitchell seems to understand his role as a minority photographer on the verge of stardom. Prior to this announcement, Mitchell said that he wants his work to allow others to see themselves in it, especially those who have been underrepresented. He reveals:
"One thing I want in life is to make pictures that enable other kids to feel themselves and feel all of themselves. Especially kids who historically haven't felt that before."
Congratulation, Tyler. I know I for sure will be running to the store to pick up my copy when it hits stands. To find out more about Tyler, head to his site: tylermitchell.co.
Featured image via Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for IMG
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- Tyler Mitchell Bio, latest news and articles | Teen Vogue ›
- Tyler Mitchell: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.com ›
- Beyoncé will be on Vogue's September cover | Page Six ›
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- She Did That: Because of Beyoncé, Tyler Mitchell Is the First Black ... ›
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Michelle Schmitz is a writer and editor based in Washington, DC originally from Ft Lauderdale, FL. A self-described ambivert, you can find her figuring out ways to read more than her monthly limit of The New York Times, attending concerts, and being a badass, multi-tasking supermom. She also runs her own blog MichelleSasha.com. Keep up with her latest moves on IG: @michellesashawrites and Twitter: @michellesashas
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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ItGirl 100: Get To Know Some Of The Most Inspiring And Empowering Women On Our List
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
We often see lists featuring amazing women who are seasoned in this thing called life, and our ItGirl 100 List gives flowers to the people they’ve passed the torch to: young millennial and Gen Z women who are innovating and disrupting in today’s world of advancement.
xoNecole has partnered with Hyundai for its inaugural ItGirl 100 List to give these women their flowers today. It’s a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who have built their own tables, launched new businesses, and redefined what it truly means to be blessed, booked, and busy.
Here’s a snapshot of fun facts from a few of the women listed on the ItGirl 100, representing the East, West, Midwest, and South:
EAST
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DJ 9AM: DJ & Curator
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Nia Long
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising
Favoring open-format, multi-genre mixes, this DJ has created a winning reputation for rocking a crowd with seamless transitions and selections, always representing Southwest musical and cultural influences.
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Tiffany James, Founder, Modern BLK Girl
Representing:Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Lucky Girl" by Carlina
Favorite OG It Girl:Naomi Campbell
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo Rising
Modern BLK Girl is one of the leading investment groups among women of color, and the founder serves as an avid investor, community builder, and advocate. Tiffany James is also a mentor, utilizing her unique combination of financial and fashion expertise.
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Kat Mateo, Casting Director
Representing: New Jersey
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Princess Going Digital" by Amaarae
Favorite OG It Girl: Kelis, Eve, Lil Kim
Zodiac Big Three: Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, Cancer Rising
Thriving as a casting director and stylist, Kat Mateo offers a unique point of view that has shaped New York Fashion Week shows, ad campaigns, and editorials. She has also been a major contributor to cultural conversations related to fashion and inclusivity.
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Denise Stephanie Hewitt, Photographer
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Experience" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Hannah Montana
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising
This Gordon Parks Foundation scholar is a full-time student who has been working to expand her freelance career in photography. Denise is also been featured among Essence'sinaugural list of "Top 10 Creators Under 30," for her unique aesthetics and perceptions through her art.
WEST
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Nayamka Roberts-Smith, Aesthetician
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Tomorrow 2" by GloRilla & Cardi B
Favorite OG It Girl: Meagan Good
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Capricorn Rising
Nayamka Roberts-Smith is an award-winning professional in the skincare industry and serves as an educator, offering knowledge on beauty culture. She also is a well-sought-after speaker on beauty and women’s issues, with a following of more than 1 million on social.
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Desiree L. Talley, Esq., Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Revolt TV
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice" by The Carters
Favorite OG It Girl: Issa Rae
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising
An attorney and storyteller, Desiree L. Talley meshes relatability with her legal smarts for the culture. She advocates for cultural advancement and societal change through her POPLAW Podcast while balancing her executive duties at Revolt TV.
Marley Rae
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Marley Rae, Organizer, WalkGood
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice For What" by Drake
Favorite OG It Girl: Mariah Carey
Zodiac Big Three: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Rising
Marley Rae is a Nike Athlete, certified yoga instructor, COO, and Director of Health and Wellness for WalkGood LA, a family-founded non-profit organization. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and care in local and global communities.
MIDWEST
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Shawnee Dez
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "FreeBody Freestyle" by Shawnee Dez
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Morrison
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Rising
Shawnee Dez is an artist who's all about captivating her audience through encouragement and empowerment. Her music features fluid harmonic layering, live instrumentation fused with digital production, and her unique multi-talented voice in an alto melodic tone.
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Bianca Pastel, Visual Artist
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: Anything by Whitney Houston
Favorite OG It Girl: Grace Jones
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Bianca Pastel's artistic portfolio includes fine art, illustrations, and animation, and she's worked with clients including Disney Pixar, and the NFL, to name a few. Her focus is "empowering the experience of being a Black child and dealing with mental health issues."
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Donyale Walton, Founder, Hoop Mobb
Representing: Detroit
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Yeah I Said It" by Rihanna
Favorite OG It Girl: Aaliyah
Zodiac Big Three: Virgo Sun, Libra Moon, Capricorn Rising
Donyale Walton's brand Hoop Mobb, celebrates the Black and Brown fashion and cultural impact and presence of hoop earrings. It's grown to earn more than seven figures in annual revenue and a nationwide community of loyal consumers.
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Ticara Devone, Content Creator
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "She's a Bitch" by Missy Elliott
Favorite OG It Girl: Ananda Lewis
The Zodiac Big Three: Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising
A trusted sneaker enthusiast and content creator, Ticara Devone uses dynamic storytelling to hold space for others with a passion for sneakers. A published writer, she’s worked with brands including Nike and Footlocker and inspires us all by ensuring women are vocal and seen in the multi-billion dollar shoe space.
SOUTH
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AllyiahsFace, Content Creator
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Go Off" Doja Cat
Favorite OG It Girl: Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry
Zodiac Big Three: Gemini Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising
AllyiahsFace's YouTube channel has more than 830,000 subscribers, and she's been hitting the ground running since 2015. Her content creation, which centers on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has led to a lucrative career and drawn a close-knit social and real-life community to view and be inspired.
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Jaycina, Executive Director, Tender
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "All I Got" by Amel Larrieux
Favorite OG It Girl:Tracee Ellis Ross
Zodiac Big Three: Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Jaycina is a signed model with a nonprofit that works to provide support and community for single mothers in Atlanta. She's also appeared in campaigns for brands including Fenty and GAP as well as features in all your favorite magazines and on billboards across the country.
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Asha Christian, Founder, Coily App
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "It's My Life" by Mariah Carey
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Childs (Girlfriends)
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising
Asha Christian created Coily to provide beauty recommendations utilizing social data. It offers a more personalized, AI-driven experience for users and part of her mission is to provide solutions related to diversity and put the focus back on the consumer. Meshing tech and culture, Christian is innovating with options that exemplify the Black girl magic needed in tech.
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Featured image by FG Trade/Getty