Essence

The geniuses over at Access Hollywood have hired the stars of the Sochi Olympics to run red carpet fashion commentary, and we could not be happier about it.

A spokesperson has confirmed to us that Constance White, editor in chief of Essence since March 2011, is leaving the magazine. The reason is so far unknown, but White's tenure at Essence was not entirely controversy-free.

The Olympics may be over, but that doesn't mean that the Team USA gymnasts have been forgotten--especially the girl with the megawatt smile, Gabby Do

When Essence--a magazine that targets black women--hired Ellianna Placas--a white woman--back in the summer of 2010 to be its fashion director, people

Louboutins as Art: Christian Louboutin collaborated with photographer Peter Lippman to bring old French paintings to life with the addition of red-soled shoes from Louboutin's fall 2011 collection. {Telegraph} Iman's New Gig: The supermodel is dipping into our world--she's now a guest editor at Essence.com {Modelinia} The Perfect Fishtail Braid: Graduate from the side braid to the fishtail this summer--it's not as hard as it looks! {5th/58th}

Okay, so, as you've probably read at some point somewhere today, Essence magazine hired a white fashion director. Some black people in the industry--and surely some outside of it--are really pissed. Essence, for those living under a 1960s-style rock, is a lifestyle magazine geared towards black people. Naysayers are angry because: A. This white person--her name is Ellianna Placas--is filling up one of the few spots in the publishing industry designed specifically for a black person. B. How will a white person understand modern black style?

This week, there was not a lot of movement between different publications, but some major internal changes to report on. There must be some happy editors out there because everyone got promoted! Allure announced three major promotions this week: Kristen Perotta, formerly editorial projects director and beauty director, has been named executive editor. Jillian Mackenzie, formerly deputy editor is now features director/deputy editor. Amy Keller Laird, formerly beauty director, is now deputy editor/beauty director. At the New York Times, contributing writer Jeremy Peters was promoted to magazine reporter and Stephanie Clifford went from advertising and marketing reporter to reporter, retail coverage.