Essence stated that Placas’ firing was caused by her and editor-in-chief Constance White never agreeing about the direction of the magazine from a fashion standpoint.
“They had different visions for fashion coverage,” a source told bossip.com.
Placas’ hiring in 2010 incited a fierce backlash from Essence’s African American female readership who complained bitterly that: one, that the slot should have been given to a talented black fashion connoisseur; and two, a white fashion director would not properly represent black female interests from a fashion standpoint.
The disdain for Placas’ hiring was so intense and widespread among its base that Essence leadership had to come forward with an official statement to justify her appointment.
A representative for Essence has confirmed that Placas is no longer with the iconic magazine and that they are searching for Placas’ replacement.
–terry shropshire
