black is beautiful...
The modeling world does not really pride itself on diversity. Yes, fashion designers make casting calls sifting through hundreds of models to try and find “the right look,” but to an untrained eye the women stomping down the runways are primarily all skinny, tall, blonde, and white. In an article called Italian Vogue: Black is the new black, from CNN’s “Black In America” series, Pop Culture correspondent Lola Ogunnaike discusses the new fashion magazine issue where every single model gracing the glossy pages – are black. The issue is refreshing for those who have yearned for diversity in the fashion world and, “more importantly, it reminds you that black women come in all shades, their hair in all textures and they are not to be forgotten.” (Ogunnaike 4). However it also augments the fact that there are a “dearth of black models; how they’re seldom booked for fashion shows or featured in editorials” (5). Overall the article is short and sweet and just barely skims the issue at hand – the fact that black models need to have a special all black edition to even be featured in a magazine.
The article clearly states that many fashion designers prefer their models light skinned, skinny, and blonde. This Italian Vogue was considered revolutionary in the sense that they have broken a taboo for featuring only African American models.
The absence of black models on the covers of fashion magazines has long been a complaint inside the industry. The justification frequently given is that such covers "do not sell". Are customers shying away from a magazine when they see a beautiful black woman gracing the cover? Perhaps there is a deep-set fear inside each of us when we see someone of a different race. Not necessarily a fear of the person and who they are, but just a fear of that person being “different.” With the election of our 44th and first black president our country seems to be taking a step in the right direction in abolishing racism. But this issue, which was intended to celebrate the beauty of black women, only reminds us of the narrow mindedness that still exists.
If you were to try to count the number of nameless white models that are in the fashion industry it would be impossible. The only black models that are walking the catwalk and getting hired for ad campaigns are major pre-established names in the industry. By sheer luck were these beautiful women were able to break the barrier between racial discrimination and the fashion world. Being that there are so few of these black models that have done so, the level of difficulty is proven. But why are these top execs refusing to use these black models? Upon further research it was uncovered – its all about money. As mentioned before, magazines with African American women on the cover do not sell as much as magazines that have pale waif-ish figures.
Is it because America does not see that black woman as a beautiful creature? In Richard Wright’s novel “Native Son”, which has a dominant racial inequality theme, Bessie a black girl from the slums of Chicago is Bigger, the main character’s, significant other. She sees her boyfriend cavorting with his white employers and does not even consider sitting down, instead quickly backing away and ridiculing Bigger much later. Bigger introspective discussion proves that he does not even categorize Mary Dalton, the wealthy white daughter whom he drives around and his girlfriend Bessie in the same level of beauty. Mary is held up on a pedestal, which is essentially unreachable for Bigger, whereas Bessie is disposable and trite to him. Bigger often mentions the milky white skin and soft flowing hair of Mary but never admires Bessie’s features.
Discussions about the lack of diversity on high fashion runways took place after the all black issue of Italian Vogue hit the newsstands. The question on everybody's lips quickly became: Is fashion racist? The next logical question was: If so, what is anybody supposed to do about it? Can we change peoples mind to see diversity as beauty? Although it was only one issue in one country, this magazine has caused a lot of buzz inside and outside of the fashion world. To shift America's views of what is beautiful is a slow process.. but.we have only just begun.
The article clearly states that many fashion designers prefer their models light skinned, skinny, and blonde. This Italian Vogue was considered revolutionary in the sense that they have broken a taboo for featuring only African American models.
The absence of black models on the covers of fashion magazines has long been a complaint inside the industry. The justification frequently given is that such covers "do not sell". Are customers shying away from a magazine when they see a beautiful black woman gracing the cover? Perhaps there is a deep-set fear inside each of us when we see someone of a different race. Not necessarily a fear of the person and who they are, but just a fear of that person being “different.” With the election of our 44th and first black president our country seems to be taking a step in the right direction in abolishing racism. But this issue, which was intended to celebrate the beauty of black women, only reminds us of the narrow mindedness that still exists.
If you were to try to count the number of nameless white models that are in the fashion industry it would be impossible. The only black models that are walking the catwalk and getting hired for ad campaigns are major pre-established names in the industry. By sheer luck were these beautiful women were able to break the barrier between racial discrimination and the fashion world. Being that there are so few of these black models that have done so, the level of difficulty is proven. But why are these top execs refusing to use these black models? Upon further research it was uncovered – its all about money. As mentioned before, magazines with African American women on the cover do not sell as much as magazines that have pale waif-ish figures.
Is it because America does not see that black woman as a beautiful creature? In Richard Wright’s novel “Native Son”, which has a dominant racial inequality theme, Bessie a black girl from the slums of Chicago is Bigger, the main character’s, significant other. She sees her boyfriend cavorting with his white employers and does not even consider sitting down, instead quickly backing away and ridiculing Bigger much later. Bigger introspective discussion proves that he does not even categorize Mary Dalton, the wealthy white daughter whom he drives around and his girlfriend Bessie in the same level of beauty. Mary is held up on a pedestal, which is essentially unreachable for Bigger, whereas Bessie is disposable and trite to him. Bigger often mentions the milky white skin and soft flowing hair of Mary but never admires Bessie’s features.
Discussions about the lack of diversity on high fashion runways took place after the all black issue of Italian Vogue hit the newsstands. The question on everybody's lips quickly became: Is fashion racist? The next logical question was: If so, what is anybody supposed to do about it? Can we change peoples mind to see diversity as beauty? Although it was only one issue in one country, this magazine has caused a lot of buzz inside and outside of the fashion world. To shift America's views of what is beautiful is a slow process.. but.we have only just begun.
by rachel rosenthal
This is great rachel! A little long.. but I really enjoyed reading about black models and now I realize that there really isn't an abundance of black models.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great article. You make a great point about there not being many well known African American models. When I think about it I can probably only name three, whereas the list of white models goes on and on... Excellent job.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Cassie and Da Blogger in that your post is strong. As a writer, you are very capable in discussing some of these interesting topics that can be delicate. Don't forget all that goes into a research paper though - like the works cited. Also, with research, you need to continue to bring the research in when you make connections to the novel. Beyond that, you bring a lot to the table, and you make your readers think. Well done. 52
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