Back in 1992, Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” became the number one single on the Billboard charts for five weeks. It was definitely the “it” song that summer and remains a popular song to this day. One of the most resonate lyrics to the song was the phrase stating “So Cosmo says you’re fat? Well, I ain’t down with that”…. and so on it went to talk about (in less graphic words) how curvy women with color on their skin aren’t usually on the cover of magazines, referencing Cosmo in specific. Twenty years later, that is changing and you will see that in the new Cosmopolitan for Latinas that was released May 1 at newsstands nationwide. And yes, we are gladly taking in the compliment of acknowledgement.

In a recent interview with Michelle Herrera Mulligan, Editor of the new Cosmopolitan for Latinas she talked to us about why and how this concept for creating a Latina version of the Cosmopolitan came about, here’s a bit of insight in her own words “Latinas are already big fans of the Cosmo brand….one out four buy the magazine! After conducting a survey of Cosmo’s Latina readership, the publishers found that Latinas wanted more content especially for them…. including help finding makeup that matches their tones, relationship and family advice with their experience in mind, and plenty of hot entertainment and recipes that reflect their culture…. all from the bold Cosmo perspective. We designed the magazine to be a fresh, fun look at Latina life in the United States…including the street fashion no one else covers and bold empowerment moves that a young women can take to move forward in her life.”

If you’re still wondering what the differences between Cosmopolitan and Cosmopolitan for Latinas are, the truth is, the growing, dynamic Latina audience continues to have an under-served presence in this country, and there are many un-discussed issues within our communities and even within a general market publishing, that something had to be done. Just as Herrera Mulligan put it during the interview “Latinas deserve our own Carries, Samanthas, and Mirandas!” and in Cosmopolitan for Latinas we will hopefully find those voices, faces and personalities to identify and relate to. The talented group of writers, bloggers, social media editors and photographers at Cosmopolitan for Latinas are working arduously to bring us the same Cosmo brand with only a tweak in style that will not segregate us as Latinas but rather unite us with the culture that we carry within and that which we live with. “Like Cosmopolitan, we’ll celebrate the fun, fearless, female, always taking a daredevil, dynamic approach to life in general. We found clever ways to apply the Cosmo voice to our experience from street food showdowns to celebrity fashion finds” expressed Herrera Mulligan.

She speaks from experience professionally, personally and culturally. Herrera Mulligan has been working as a writer for over ten years and has covered everything from women’s health to international entrepreneurs. She does admit, however, her greatest professional love is covering Latinas in the United States. Although she has a heavy weight of responsibility under her belt, she has proven to have the much needed expertise to bloom to the challenge. As a side reference to her experience in the biz, she worked with the founding team at Latina magazine and went on to publish two breakthrough collections [Border-Line Personalities, 2004, and Juicy Mangos, 2007] since then.

The magazine will cater articles that resonate for women of all ages, but its main target reader is the English-dominant woman in her twenties. Aside from entertainment, beauty, and fashion, young Latina women are concerned about advancing their careers, balancing their busy schedules with their family demands, and building their confidence to reach the next level in their lives which is why Herrera Mulligan will also dedicate special coverage to current affairs through the lens of what affects our daily life “…whether it be sexual abuse, career advancement, health concerns, or any other issue, our approach will take the intimate voice of a close friend” shared the editor.

On their end, Cosmopolitan magazine is doing it’s part in cross-promoting the launch of the new Latina version of its magazine. Beginning in July 2012, targeted copies of Cosmopolitan magazine will feature bonus editorial content curated for the Hispanic female consumer. “We are taking a pioneering role in delivering compelling media to an audience who isn’t having their needs currently met by what’s out there in the marketplace,” said Kalajian Lagani, SVP, publishing director and chief revenue officer of Cosmopolitan. “We are uniquely positioned to reach these fun, fearless women, and are confident that they will respond enthusiastically to the premiere issue” she added.

“Launching new businesses that address the ever-changing needs of consumers is something that we do especially well,” said David Carey, president of Hearst Magazines. “Cosmopolitan for Latinas aligns with the mindset and interest of a growing demographic eager for content tailored specifically for her.”

When picking up your copy of the new release look for the feaured sections:

¡En Vivo!

A section dedicated to entertaining quizzes, a list of the can’t-miss Latin events nationwide and highlights of entertaining cultural mash-ups.

Stylista

Fashion coverage that celebrates the vibrant Latina style.

Beauty

All the best beauty ideas and tips from today’s pros, curated especially for the unique needs of Latinas’ skin and hair.

Manthropology

A guy’s roundtable (“Pregúntalo a Ellos”), and interviews with the hottest Latin male celebrities.

Real Talk

Empowering advice on how to navigate complex relationships, whether with your coworkers, friends or familia.

Features

A feature well teeming with beautifully shot fashion stories and compelling celebrity interviews.

Divertida

It’s time for fiesta! Learn easy-to-follow food and cocktail recipes that bring the authentic, regional flavors of Latin culture to life.

Readers also can connect with Cosmopolitan for Latinas on myriad social platforms, including Twitter (@CosmoForLatinas), Facebook (Facebook.com/CosmoForLatinas) and Pinterest (Pinterest.com/CosmoForLatinas). The magazine’s web site, www.CosmoForLatinas.com also went live on May 1.