Fashion Friday: Black Beauties Recognized, Notarized and Accepted

Erykah Badu for Givenchy

 

Joan Smalls for Fendi

The hands of designers were forced by the public exclamation that using only white models not only displayed a lack of diversification, but it also showed a lack of consideration and empathy. Despite globalization in this modern world it is still necessary to hold people accountable for the continued perpetuation of white-washing an industry.  However, the responsiveness of designers, casting agents, scouts, fashion houses and other insiders has been astounding. This post  highlights some of the Black models and musicians that grace the covers of fashion publications and ad campaigns this fall/winter-recognizing, notarizing and accepting the magnificence of the Black beauty. 

Nigerian-British model Betty Adewole for Tom Ford

Joan Smalls for Hugo Boss

Tchad-Polish born model Anais Mali for David Yurman

Sometimes being called out publicly is all it takes to bring about awareness and change. Bethann Hardison and the Diversity Coalition did just that to designers and fashion houses that usually use just one or no models of color in their fashion shows and ad campaigns. Turn the page of any fashion publication just one year later and there is notable change in diversification. 

Ethiopian Model Liya Kebede for Tiffany & Co.
 

Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o for Miu Miu

Kenyan-British model Malaika Firth for Prada

Bethann Hardison, former model, turned modeling agent, turned diversification activist was recently honored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s with the Founders Award in June. This year and hopefully for the foreseeable future we will remember to say a thank you to Ms. Hardison for making sure that diversity is a major focus when hiring models for ad campaigns and runway shows. It is vastly important to characterize all skin colors as beautiful. I know personally I will thank her for making sure that little girls will grow up turning pages of fashion publications with representations of themselves.

Joan Smalls for Prabal Garung
 

British model Jourdan Dunn, and rapper ASAP Rockie for DKNY

Malaika Firth for Valentino

Rihanna for Balmain

Malaika Firth for Burberry Prorsum

Anais Mali for Juicy Couture

Onlookers and fashion lovers will wait with bated breath to see if the diversity change translates from the pages to the runways. Designers and fashion houses are vigorously preparing for New York Fashion Week which is just days away. I am certain that Bethann Hardison and other Diversity Coalition members will be present with a watchful eye.




I do not claim ownership of the above images.