This morning Joan Smalls was unveiled as the cover star of Vogue Italia's March issue. In the Steven Meisel-shot cover she appears wearing one of the statement tops from the Dolce & Gabbana S/S12 collection with bold eye-shadow, big earrings and nails that a dance hall queen would be proud off, tying in with the magazine's 'over the top' theme.

The cover is significant for several reasons. The cover signifies that Smalls has 'arrived'. A few years ago the Puerto Rican-born model was virtually unknown in fashion circles as her modelling was limited to commercial work. Today she is sits as one of the biggest faces on the scene and is currently the face of Chanel and has appeared in just about every show or magazine that matters.

More importantly, the cover marks the first time since that 'All Black Issue' that a black model has covered the magazine. Over the years Franca Sozzani has continued with her commitment to support a diverse representation of beauty in the magazine and this cover signals a movement away from the use of black models in a token way. Hopefully this isn't the end...

What do you think of the cover?