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The September issues are out and, in a history-making year for the fashion industry, the covers are dominated by black women.

September is the most prestigious issue in the magazine world with advertisers keen to showcase their autumn/winter collections. There is serious money involved and cover stars are chosen for their fashion kudos and influence. To speak plainly, to score a September cover is a big deal.

This year, a glut of big name magazines have chosen black women to front their issues—and the response on social media has been powerful. Women who had previously felt underrepresented by mainstream fashion publications have been tweeting and 'gramming the images of Rihanna, Slick Woods and Lupita Nyong'o on the covers of Vogue, ELLE and Porter, in their thousands.

It’s been 53 years since Donyale Luna became the first black woman to front a magazine (Harper’s Bazaar in 1965), but it's only now, in 2018, that US singer Rihanna has become the first black woman to be on the cover of a UK Vogue September issue. But that's not the only 'first' this year. Here are all the 2018 September issues with a black female cover star:

1. Rihanna, Vogue UK

Ever the trendsetter, Rihanna made history by being the first black woman to be on the cover of a UK Vogue September issue.

The choice to feature her as a cover star is no doubt the result of a major shake-up driven by newly appointed editor Edward Enninful, whose commitment to diversity is key to how he does things at Vogue.

Complete with razor-thin eyebrows and a floral headdress to put the Chelsea Flower Show to shame, she also shows off her own Savage x Fenty lingerie range.

Revealing her cover on Instagram, she posted: "I'm so honoured to be on the cover of your first September issue with British Vogue @edward_enniful Thank you for considering me!"

2. Beyonce, Vogue US

Meanwhile across the pond, Queen Bey is not only the cover star of US Vogue's September issue but was also the one calling the shots behind the scenes. Given editorial control, Beyonce hired Tyler Mitchell to shoot the cover, the first ever black photographer to do so.

She said of her decision: "If people in powerful positions continue to hire and cast only people who look like them, sound like them, come from the same neighbourhoods they grew up in, they will never have a greater understanding of experiences different from their own."

As the icing on the cake, Beyonce also made history by becoming the first black woman to front US Vogue's September issue.

3. Slick Woods, ELLE UK

Model-of-the-moment Slick Woods was chosen as the cover star for ELLE UK's September issue.

The 21-year-old poses grinning in a floaty polka-dot shirt, showing off her baby bump. Featuring a black, pregnant woman as their cover star, ELLE has done well to challenge (and prove wrong) what society conventionally deems as "beautiful".

4. Lupita Nyong'o, Porter

Lupita wasn't crowned the Most Beautiful Woman in the World for nothing.

The 35-year-old Black Panther actress stuns in her cover for Porter magazine, and opens up about how what being featured means to her: "“Being featured on the cover of a magazine fulfils me as it is an opportunity to show other dark, kinky-haired people, and particularly our children, that they are beautiful just the way they are."

5. Tracee Ellis Ross, ELLE Canada

Blackish actress Tracee Ellis Ross, 45, is pictured grining from ear-to-ear on the cover of ELLE Canada's September issue.

Sporting her trademark curls, Tracee, daughter of Diana Ross, spoke openly about self-care and the importance of setting boundaries for yourself and others.

6. Zendaya, Marie Claire US

Zendaya has become something of a fashion icon over the years, and her cover for Marie Claire US proves she deserves a seat at the table.

Zendaya rejuvenated the fall fashion season with a refreshing take on '60s-inspired attire.

In her interview, she spoke about breaking down racial barriers in Hollywood: "I always tell my theatrical manager, 'Anytime it says they’re looking for white girls, send me out. Let me get in the room. Maybe they’ll change their minds.'"