Racial Diversity In Modeling

[Scrofulous]

All the posts about how it's not really racism, it's just that non-white girls don't fit the aesthetics of Prada crack me up. So really? Judging, preferring and hiring people based on their skin color isn't racism? Well then, I guess nothing is.

 

[L0VE]

Arghhhhh......... This is what everyone thinks
If a show uses white models people will think its racist because there aren't any black models, so if a show does black and white models, they're racist towards asian models, and they're leaving out indian models, then it goes on and on and on and on and on! THEY MIGHT AS WELL FIT THE WHOLE BLOOMING WORLD ON THE RUNWAY.
Do you get it?

Agreed. And if they use too many of one race, then it's that they are racist or trying too hard to impress one group.
To the first post on this thread, America is about 80% if not more white (Europe is probably the same percent, if not more). If we are going to do the whole "where are the black models" give me a break. And then lets do the hispanic, asian, middle eastern, red, blue, etc. I mean if you look back at the late 80's early 90's half the models were black. And people complained that there were not enough. (I've watched the tapes of the shows from that time and barely noticed one white model.) I don't see any point in this, designers choose the best models and I don't really think that race is crossing their mind.

Think of it this way, certain heritages are prominent on the catwalk. Russians, brazillians, etc. What race are they?

 

[LostInNJ]

Not necessarily. Maybe they felt pressured. And Jordan Dunn is the ONLY black girl they are using. That says a lot

I think it is a start. I don't agree with everything that Prada has done, after hearing your story, however, that was 10 years ago, and rewind to today (or this past week), an African-American model was cast in the show. You have to give some credit, not that it should be such a hard decision for designers to make IMO as people of all colors buy the clothing.

 

[LostInNJ]

Arghhhhh......... This is what everyone thinks
If a show uses white models people will think its racist because there aren't any black models, so if a show does black and white models, they're racist towards asian models, and they're leaving out indian models, then it goes on and on and on and on and on! THEY MIGHT AS WELL FIT THE WHOLE BLOOMING WORLD ON THE RUNWAY.
Do you get it?

I have to disagree with this. Yes, people will fight for more ethnicity on the runway, but once again, it is a start. I think it is more refreshing to have a good variety of girls walking in the show. I don't always think there has to be a certain ratio of white to black girls or white to asian girls, but to have a few different ethnicities being represented is important.

 

[smartarse]

i thought Jourdan Dunn was British

 

[scriptgirl]

She is, but she is black.

 

[smartarse]

She is, but she is black.

i knew she's black. i was confused about her nationality when someone said "...an african-american was just cast"

 

[LostInNJ]

i knew she's black. i was confused about her nationality when someone said "...an african-american was just cast"

Sorry for the mistake, but I am sure you understood that I was pointing out that she is black.

 

[kahlilg]

....i don't know how to explain it without sounding ignorant or prejudice

i think you already passed that point.

the point is people are bringing up the fact that they have had plenty of opportunities to hire black models but they haven't. They didn't even want scriptgirl to do buisness with them.
Sure the fashion industry as a whole has problems. Sure, some casting agencies don't work with black models. I understand that. I don't agree with it, but I understand why it happens. I really hope the reason why Jourdan was hired in the show was not because that they "wanted to be pc" but because they listened to the criticism.
I think you are trying to defend them based their ignorance. What do you mean by "her look." You mean pale, blonde, and blue eyed? This is racist, whether you want to believe it or not.

And if I sound angry, it's because I am.

 

[CharlottefromCA]

sorry I didn't want to get into this debate, but I had to put my two cents in..

to say that we shouldn't complain that there is a lack of diversity because America is 80% white and that we shouldn't complain about lack of black models because then we would have to put more asian models, then more indian models.. then more models from etc etc...

So lets just solve the whole issue by not even discussing it and casting all white models???

 

[L0VE]

I don't mean that. I'm just saying that 80% white means that there are going to be more white girls than black most likley and more to choose from. I like to focus on the clothing and seeing models who can make the clothing look good. I don't think that the race matters. But the russian girls are big right now and that leaves American girls to be less and then black girls would be even more less likely if there is 80% white. I don't know if I'm making sense and this is a tough topic to discuss because people get very into it (like many other topics) I guess it's like this, some designers just cast who they like and I don't really think race is crossing their mind.

 

[smartarse]

I think you are trying to defend them based their ignorance. What do you mean by "her look." You mean pale, blonde, and blue eyed? This is racist, whether you want to believe it or not.

And if I sound angry, it's because I am.

the "look" i'm referring is not about color of eyes, skin, hair. for instance, you take an african-american from east L.A. and Naomi Campbell who do you think a fashion company will hire? they're both black. both are up for the same job. one of them will definitely be hired. but they both don't carry their look the same way. know what i mean? that's not being racist to me.

*don't forget Prada hired Naomi about 10 yrs ago. that to me is not racist on their part nor trying to be pc.
*with scriptgirl she said she felt they didn't want her there. but she needs to clarify that more, however.

 

[CharlottefromCA]

I'm not saying we should have equal opportunity laws passed and a certain ratio of black models have to walk for certain designers.. that is RIDICULOUS.. but the runways these past few seasons have been SOOOO un-diverse.. look at models.com top new faces for example... season after season after season..

 

[CharlottefromCA]

sorry i wasn't trying to single anyone out.. and I agree its a hard topic to discuss.. esp on a forum when the debate can go around and around and around..

 

[smartarse]

^ i agree. it's rather a difficult and hard topic to discuss without offending or sounding to be one.

... with models.com that's based on how many campaigns, editorials they currently hold/have done and what not.

 

[scriptgirl]

I have been as clear about how I was treated at Prada as I know how to be. As soon as they saw me get off that elevator, I could see the look on their faces-it was disgust and "Omigod, it's a BLACK girl." They were not happy I was there and I was treated in a way that let me know that. The receptionist did not even want to train me and when she did do so, she talked down to me in the most condescending of tones.

 

[kahlilg]

the "look" i'm referring is not about color of eyes, skin, hair. for instance, you take an african-american from east L.A. and Naomi Campbell who do you think a fashion company will hire? they're both black. both are up for the same job. one of them will definitely be hired. but they both don't carry their look the same way. know what i mean? that's not being racist to me.

*don't forget Prada hired Naomi about 10 yrs ago. that to me is not racist on their part nor trying to be pc.
*with scriptgirl she said she felt they didn't want her there. but she needs to clarify that more, however.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell was among a group of speakers who talked recently about the shortage of opportunities for Blacks in fashion during "The Lack of Black Images in Fashion Today" panel discussion held at the Bryant Park Hotel in New York City.
Campbell spoke whole-heartedly of the challenges Blacks face in the industry. "The only time they care about Black models is in February [Black History Month]," she said.
She added, "Linda [Evangelista] and Christy [Turlington] would go to big designers and say, 'If you don't pick Naomi to be in your show, then I don't want to be in it.' That's how I got Prada and Helmut [Lang]."
Campbell also complained of not having a British Vogue cover. "I've never been on the cover of British Vogue and I've asked a million times and they've always refused me," the New York Daily News reported.
"They'll put the same White model for half the year--I swear like six times, but wouldn't put me on once in my own country. But I still want my British Vogue cover!"
However, the Daily News also reported that since 1987 Campbell has been on the cover of British Vogue eight times: twice with other models, once with Diddy and five times alone.
Among those in attendance of the panel discussion were supermodels Iman and Liya Kebede; designer Tracy Reese and Vogue Editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley. The event was organized by former model and entrepreneur Bethann Hardison.

Parham, Marti. "Naomi Campbell speaks out on bias against Black models.(NEWSMAKERS)(Brief article). ." Jet. 112.14 (Oct 8, 2007 28(1). Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale. Los Angeles Pierce College. 18 Jan. 2008
Tell me thats not racist!
The only reason there aren't more successful black models is because they don't fufill the white standard of beauty i.e. light skinned, blonde hair (Beyonce, Trya Banks) or be the "~tribal african breauty~" (Alek Wek, Ajuma N) Do not misunderstand me, all of these women are beautiful even without the "white standard of beauty." However, I'll ask you this: Why wouldn't a black model from east L.A. not be hired? Would you hire her? I'm so excited for your answer.

 

[smartarse]

... and i just need to add on my post #208 that Naomi is not light-skinned**

 

[L0VE]

Last time I checked being tan was more attractive to some people than pale. ? There is no standard. Blonde hair fits certain people and brown hair fits certain people. I get annoyed with the blonde hair blue eyed BS when more than half the models have brown hair and not blue eyes! Naomi has black hair and looks black to me, not white. Chanel and Tyra are both from LA. I don't think there is a white standard, we're born with the idea of beauty. Look at babies who smile more if your are beautfiul or a child who picks the white doll even if they are not white (it was on oprah.) I found it interesting and goes to show that we are born with the idea of what WE consider as our own idea of beauty. It's not just the white standard. I think it's the other way around.

 

[CharlottefromCA]

... with models.com that's based on how many campaigns, editorials they currently hold/have done and what not.

I know that.

And its indicative of how many models of color are getting.. campaigns and editorials.