Essence fashion director Ellianna Placas has been let go from her post after more than two years. The magazine’s hiring of Placas, who is white, in 2010 sparked controversy among fans of the title for mostly African-American readers, some of whom felt Essence should have sought out a black editor. Sources told us her departure had less to do with race and more to do with her butting heads with editor-in-chief Constance White. “They had different visions for fashion coverage,” said one. An Essence spokesperson confirmed to Page Six that Placas has left the company. Placas wasn’t available for comment last night, and a search for her replacement is ongoing.