In a daring move, Vogue Italia features almost all black models in its July 2008 issue. Inspired by the success of Democratic Presidential nominee, Barack Obama, editor Franca Sozanni's initial plan was to do a few feature stories about black women. It turned into an entire issue with black models, current and former, photographed by Steven Meisel.  The title of the shoot was Champagne Furs - worn by Toccara Jones.

She most recently was shot by Steven Meisel for the July, all black issue of Vogue Italia.  This makes her the first black plus-size model to appear in the pages of a Vogue issue, and the third America's Next Top model contestant to be in a Vogue publication, along with Cycle 6's Mollie Sue Steenis-Gondi and Cycle 7's Anchal Joseph.

We are very proud of Toccara and all 13 of her fabulously sexy pages.

Poker star David Williams is featured in the Sexy Singles issue as a celebrity single.  The dashing poker player loves beauty in all forms and respects an intelligent woman, citing "looks are not enough." Definitely a sexy single!  Congratulations to David who is currently making big moves in the WSOP.

Look out for David on Black Enterprise TV.  Airdates and times will be announced in our next newsletter.

Can't get enough "fabulousness"?  Check out Toccara in the August issue of Ebony where the sexy single warns, "I'm not a sugar momma."  Watch out fellas, you have to be tall and fine to handle this fabulous stallion!

In October, look out for Toccara in Essence and Vibe.

Gary Sturgis will be featured on the cover of the August issue of Black Hollywood News.  Be sure to check out what this handsome bad guy has to say about what's next for him.  Congratulations to Gary. 

We hope you caught him in last months Humor Mill Magazine where he did a fresh and versatile fashion shoot featuring INC, Ed Hardy and Mark Ecko.

Be sure to catch Kiya Roberts, the sexiest Hell Dater on the planet, in this month's Right On! Magazine in the What's Next section.  Smoking hot as usual.  Congrats Kiya!

Here is a formal introduction to our new Jr. Publicist, Trecia Hopson.  You will certainly see her bopping around town at events and functions, so be sure to say hello to her.  She is a great talent and we are pleased to have her aboard.

GEM PR proudly represents interior design firm Thomas-Somero Design.  They are an amazing firm with elite clientelle.  The expert team has been quoted/featured in:  LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, univision.com, smartmoney.com, IN LA Mag, Realtor Magazine and many others.  We are very proud of partners, Scott Thomas and Brian Somero for their amazing work, and would like to congratulate them on opening their second location in the beautiful Palm Springs Area.

If you happen to be like most of us and cannot buy or sell your house, and are thinking of remodeling, THOMAS-SOMERO DESIGN is THE best choice for the job. All in house and you only have to talk to them, no contractors, no messy paperwork between you and twenty people trying to remodel one room. 

Here are a few random thoughts.

It has come to my attention that people are forgetting a fundamental rule--not just PR but in life.  YOU ONLY GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.  You find a firm that you think is the right firm for your budget, but are they the right firm for your needs?  $200 per month for a full retainer for PR????  No comment. 

Be sure to ask what recent placements the firm has.  Be sure that the firm you choose shares YOUR vision for YOUR brand.  Are you willing to commit to six months?  Why?  Because you may spend 90-120 days waiting for your first magazine article to come out! 

Beware of promises.  Anyone who promises you anything for SURE, is not ethical.  Plain and simple.  There are no guarantees in PR.  Most firms agree that we will put you or your product in front of the right editors and decision makers, but if they don't find it newsworthy, and don't print you in their next issue, we did our jobs.  News to you and your friends just may not be news for your favorite magazine or newspaper.

Just my two cents.  Thanks for reading our newsletter.  See you very soon. 

P.S.  Yes, we are accepting applications for interns and yes you must live in Los Angeles and be a student or a recent graduate IN THE FIELD.  Also, yes, we do accept new clients with something to talk about or promote.  :-)

Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of GEM PR and are a personal editorial opinion of one particular staff member.  (See photo for subtle hint).