Brune,

In many ways, Guadeloupe presents an opportunity to perceive the world differently. I've noticed that there is a greater selection of Black women's magazines available in newsstands. Never having bought a Black women's magazine before, I now find myself drawn to them. Why exactly, I am not quite sure. There is the novelty, of course. But, when I flip through Elle, Vogue, Marie Claire,... it simply doesn't seem very interesting.

I came across Brune, magazine in December. I suppose you might call Brune, a women's 'lifestyle' magazine, focusing on fashion, beauty, health and entertainment. The French-language magazine is internationally distributed, and countries listed on the cover for pricing include France, Morrocco, Tunisa, Africa (no specific countries listed), Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and the USA.

Some things that I like about Brune,:

- A gorgeous spread in the January/February '09 issue.


















Above, designs by José Esam, photographed by Ernest Collins, styled by Pascal Patrice.

- Introductions to African designers:

Above, catwalk photos from the 2009 Vlisco Fashion Show. From left to right, designs from Paul-Hervé Élizabeth, Karim Issaka, Thula Sindi, Eloi Sessou, Karim Issaka, Pepita D (Jan/Feb 2009).

- Beautiful black models

Above, Marion, photographed by Mario Epanya, styled by Patience Ohéma, make-up by Mario Epanya (May/June 2009).


















Above left, Didier, photographed by Ernest Collins, styled by Pascal Patrice, make-up by Mashu.
Above, right, photographed by Norman Pogson (Jan/Feb 2009).

Some of the articles are pretty interesting too. Numerous profiles on successful Black women. An interview with Lucette Michaux-Chevry, a long-time politician from Guadeloupe. Beauty tips adapted to heat and humidity.

I suppose it might seem strange for an Asian woman to be picking up a copy of Brune,. Surely, I am not what the editors had in mind as a reader. But it isn't any more strange than for me to be reading any of the magazines listed above. Those certainly weren't made with me in mind as a reader, n'est-ce pas?