Fashion is synonymous with a myriad of ideologies: beauty, art, identity and even commerce, diversity however, is not one of them. The fashion industry has a notorious “lack of colour” when it comes to its models – attributed primarily to the supply of models of the Eastern European ilk as opposed to any inherent discrimination. Reasons aside, it seems as though fashion is finally taking serious strides to embracing racial diversity…
The editor-in-chief of Italian Vogue Franca Sozzani announced that for the upcoming issue “We are using a lot of black models, like Iman, not only the models of today – a lot of different girls.” She went on to justify her decision: “Because nobody is using black girls. I see so many beautiful girls and they were complaining that they are not used enough.”
The July issue attempts to challenge the token use of black models by not only featuring black cover stars but writing editorial that will cater specifically to black women. The most outspoken detractors have labeled Sozzani’s choices as blatant racism, while at the other end of the spectrum fashion insiders have voiced their support in the hope that this will be the start of a racially diverse (fashion) world…
Images by: www.vogue.it/en
