BHM - Fashion Discussion: Black Models On The Rise In Europe - For How Long?

It is Black History Month! That means it's time to recognize the central role and achievements of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. As you may know Elegancy101 was present at the Mercedes-Benz Amsterdam Fashion Week. This time we've seen a slight change on the runways. There was actually a larger representation of non-white models on the runway shows compared to previous editions. It could have been the industry's response to the Diversity Coalition's highly publicized campaign for more black models. Although Amsterdam Fashion Week is not the most prominent fashion week, still this sensitive topic of racial diversity in the fashion industry is making a widespread move and actually moves people all over the world to take action. Although there has been improvement, must we still remain vigilant?

If the Diversity Coalition’s open letter accusing specific fashion designers of racism on the runway isn’t enough to get the industry’s attention, then a national TV segment will definitely do the trick.

Activist and former model Bethann Hardison, who formed the Diversity Coalition, was joined by fellow members and supermodels Naomi Campbell and Iman for a segment on “Good Morning America” discussing the hot topic.

The ladies said they are frustrated and fed up with the blatant lack of diversity they see on the runways as a result of designers only using one or no models of color. In fact, Iman, whose career spans over four decades, believes the problem is worse than when she hit the runway in the 70’s. The runways are getting whiter. Naomi Campbell says the situation for black models has become worse - not better - since her debut.

"When I started modeling in '86 there was Asians, blacks, whites, Indians, Chinese. It was very diverse," Campbell told CNN. "It's not like that today. It's heart-breaking to me that we're in 2013 and we're sitting here talking about this. But it has to be done and people need to know."

 Carole White, who managed Campbell's career for 17 years, says designers here also tend towards white models for their shows.

"I think clients have this perception that black girls do not sell products, which goes way back to the 50's. I think it's engrained in every magazine editor. There are more products for blonde and blue-eyed girls. Everything is geared to that."



 At the past New York Fashion Week edition, the number of black models increased from 6 percent last season to it's current total of 8.08 percent. Latina models came in at 3.19 percent compared to last season's 2 percent, while Asian models experienced a one percent drop from 9.1 percent to 8.1 percent. (Source: Jezebel)

It also seems like the major fashion brands actually taking in this situation. We're already excited that Prada's got Cindy Bruna for their S/S 2014 campaign, Givenchy tapped Erykah Badu, Balmain scored Rihanna and Miu Miu snagged Lupita Nyong'o. The more fashion brands are taking action the more people will follow the crowd and do the same.

Although there has been improvement, we should still be unwinking. Although there has been an increase there is still a reliance on the same faces over and over again (think; Naomi Campbell, Joan Small, Chanel Iman etc.).

What is your take on this situation? Discuss with us by leaving your opinion behind!

Picture source: Team Peter Stigter