Over the past 50 years, the U.S. population has become increasingly diverse: According to the most recent census, 36% of the American population now identifies as non-Caucasian--that's in comparison to just 16% in 1970. The idea of what it means to be American and to look American this July 4, 2013, is vastly different than the July 4ths of half a century ago. So how has this changed the American beauty ideals, and, by default, the American modeling industry?

Benetton Smooching Ad Pulled: In what comes as a surprise to no one, Benetton had to pull its ad featuring Pope Benedict XVI and a senior Egyptian imam kissing for the brand's "Unhate" campaign. Apparently, the religious crowd was not feeling the shot. {Daily Mail} Alber Elbaz and Betsey Johnson Decorate Christmas Trees: Famed London hotel, Claridge's, is enlisting the help of Alber Elbaz to deck out their Christmas tree for the holidays. The tree will showcase Mr. Elbaz's whimsical style, with marionettes dressed in Claridge's staff uniforms hanging from its branches. Stateside, Betsey Johnson is set to decorate the tree at the Plaza Hotel. {WWD (Subscription required)} Costello Tagliapietra to Release Lower Priced Line: For those women who "[can't] afford what equates to rent on a dress," Costello Tagliapietra brings you C&T, their diffusion line set to release this spring. Each dress in the 13-piece collection will retail for $298. {WWD (Subscription required)}

A mere seven models walked in only 13 looks at the Adrienne Vittadini presentation at Lincoln Center yesterday afternoon. But it wasn’t about the clothes. It was about the models. The presentation, aptly titled “Modern Muses,” featured Niki Taylor, Carol Alt, Roshumba, Pat Cleveland, Frederique van Der Wal, Irina Pantaeva, and Carmen Dell’Orefice. All old school, and all fabulous. After a week of watching prepubescent beanpoles walk all over New York City, it was a pleasure to see these ladies looking real and having a blast. It was a brilliant move by Adrienne Vittadini, because the place was packed with an enthusiastic crowd.

The 90's television revivals aren't stopping at 90210 and Absolutely Fabulous. No, House of Style's jumping on the trend, too. The Post reports that

During the last couple Fashion Weeks, you were like to spot either Tyson Beckford or Niki Taylor with a camera crew in tow, since they were filming Br

Oh. My. Goodness. Oh - and Niki Taylor's in there, too... --PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY KOST For more, check out RoidRage. more

This morning we got stuck in the elevator at the New Museum. We were claustrophobic and a little panicked, but admiring Andre J's sequined turban. Th

Questions for Alexandre Herchcovitch: How do you make shoulder pads look feminine and soft and tent dresses look flattering and chic? Do you really wa

We're not sure what to make of Make Me a Supermodel, the new Bravo reality show with Tyson Beckford and Niki Taylor. The series claims to be like A

The new Bravo show Make Me a Supermodel looks rather boring - except for one thing. It's Niki Taylor, former Cover Girl (and Sports Illustrated cove