Many of you have noticed that in the past couple weeks, we’ve started to feature more unsuspected style stars.
In addition to our typical posts about Beyonce, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian, we’ve also started to incorporate Blake Lively, Nicky Hilton, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Mila Kunis.
Quite a number of you have expressed distaste with our new direction. ? wrote, “Why all these white girls on fbd?” In response, Enigma offered, “Call me crazy but I assumed…FBD was an Urban blog who caters to fashion of minorities (mainly blacks, but latinas, asians etc. as well) And I also assumed most people visit this site for fashion news and that as a minority you can appreciate the fashion of other races and ethnicities…silly me!” The SPS countered, “The diversity isn’t that welcome to ME. Why do black websites always feel as if they HAVE to be diverse when sites operated by white people never feel such an obligation? Minorities always feel as if they have to include others, the majority never does. I kind of come on here for black fashion…that’s the sites niche and value imo.” Lastly, Tamra typed, “Blake Lively, Nicki Hilton, Gyn Paltrow on FBD? Two are known racists. And one is so irrelevant. I thought this site was to represent and support women of color? Is this site under new management?”
Nope, same management! We’re simply trying to evolve and, as Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change [we] wish to see in the world.”
Yes, this site began as a one stop shop for ‘urban’ fashion. With a degree in African-American studies, I noticed a void in the market place, and created a site for women who looked like me and shared similar interests in music and pop culture.
Over time, the whole definition of ‘urban’ has changed. Our hip-hop and R&B stars are now pop icons co-hosting American Idol and rocking the nation for Superbowl.
Fashion itself is international, vibrant, and ever changing. It is not confined to one group, class, or race. The proof of the pudding has been in our readers hailing from Poland, Romania, India, Spain, and more who submit to be Bombshells and Bombers of the Day.
Unfortunately, the fashion world at large doesn’t yet realize that. All too often when I go abroad to participate in Fashion Month, the diversity we seek and have represented for years is lacking, and shows no signs of abating.
So do two wrongs make a right? In order to actively participate in the fashion world and industry at large, diversity for us is a must. And isn’t multiculturalism and a true representation of every body type, color, and country a great goal for the future?
Of course we’re not going to abandon our core mission–I love to showcase those leading ladies and men of color who might not get shine on a mainstream site.
But we’d also like to add a few new faces–people whose style we admire, regardless of skin color.
Lastly, imagine if the discourse was the same for a ‘majority’ site? If an editor wanted to feature a minority, yet their readers kicked up a fuss?
The goal is simply to add a bit of flavor–not take away from what we already have.
So what do you think? Are you down for a bit of diversity?
March 11, 2013 9:41 am
I think adding more diversity is great! I never felt like you would abandon us [black readers] and I must admit that it’s refreshing to not always see Solange, Kim K, etc. FBD has undergone a bunch of changes since I first started reading, and no matter how apprehensive I might have been at first, they always turn out great. Years later, I’m still here.
March 11, 2013 9:44 am
I am Caribbean black and I do not get the idea of that you cannot be proud of your race and highlight the accomplishments while at the same time highlighting the accomplishments of other races. I am all about diversity and seeing its beauty. I have real friends from several races and countries and I most definitely agree and embrace the new direction that FBD is headed towards. Kudos to you
March 11, 2013 9:44 am
I’m white and I come here for fashion inspiration.
I love the site’s diversity and agree fully with the “be the change you wanna see” statement.
My boyfriend’s black and my best friend asian and this is a site we all can enjoy.
I care about the bodies of the the people featured and that the clothes are attainable and affordable…. I’m curvy and like to see curvy people looking fashionable and bombshellish, so that’s what matters to me, not skin color!
March 11, 2013 9:45 am
I hear you loud and clear. I am totally down for a bit of diversity!!! It’s great to see how different cultures express their sense of fashion. Sometimes when we only focus on one group of people everyday, we all tend to start looking the same.
March 11, 2013 9:52 am
While I so think that diversity is a laudable goal, I also recognize the greater importance of having a space where blacks can celebrate and highlight our own people because although the very mainstream black celebrities are able to appear on white media outlets, blacks still in large part are overlooked by those outlets. This site for me was a place to come and view us n other minorities.there is no shortage of coverage of Blake lively or nicki Hilton or whomever else white.don’t change what makes this site special
March 11, 2013 9:59 am
It’s so sad that this awesome site is trying to abandon the very thing that made it distinctive n special. There are tons of sites that cover these whites celebs daily ,and almost exclusively.save for a few really really mainstream black celebs. While I support the idea of diversity, the reality is that blacks n other minorities continue to be excluded or sparsely covered by mainstream media and we need spaces like this that are dedicated to celebrating and highlighting us. I’m very disappointed in Claire
March 11, 2013 10:01 am
People need to grow up.
I am Jamaican Canadian… We live in a diverse world; it’s time to step out of your ignorant little bubble. There’s more going on in the world then the four corners of your personal restrictions.
If you truly embrace who you are, then you are not threatened or bothered by the presence of others that are not like you…embrace it. It IS possible to open yourself to others without ‘sacrificing’ your value as a black person….they don’t have to conflict.
The greatest joy about diversity it learning from others. Being able to share and enrich your own, all the time embracing and incorporating and learning from others.
Plus…how can you truly love fashion yet restrict yourself to the model; I want to see it all!
March 11, 2013 10:03 am
@Sarah
Very strong point. But I don’t see her sacrificing ‘us’ to showcase others. Diversity is not a bad thing.
March 11, 2013 10:03 am
I think this site is trying to “grow” and to do that they have to start covering white stars . Basically selling out for success. I do not support it !!!
March 11, 2013 10:06 am
I don’t see why people always want to bring race into everything. When I first visited this site I will admit yes I thought it was just for people of color however as times went on I stopped looking for “black fashion” or “urban fashion” and started looking for fashion. So I didn’t even notice that the celebs or models were a different color I just thought…”wow what a great array of diversity Fashion Bomb Daily Has” “I mean.. they left no one out” (as far as culture)…. Also did we forget that fashion is influenced by culture? … This is too much.. Keep up the fantastic work FBD
March 11, 2013 10:06 am
Good answer. I like a little cream in my fashion coffee and there are some fly white girls out here!
March 11, 2013 10:10 am
People are so uninformed . While this is a fashion site,the issue is much bigger than fashion. Like one of the comments said its common for black people/organizations to want to be inclusive of others. We are a community oriented people so that’s in our nature. But I think it can be to our detriment sometimes because the reality is the majority media outlets ARE NOT making it their business to be overly inclusive of us. And to the girl who said how can u love fashion n restrict yourself to your own race, honey wake up RACISM IN THE FASHION WORLD IS REAL N ALIVE TODAY grew Naomi n all these other black models talk about it all the time.so it aint just about clothes sweety. U need to live in reality not fantasy land
March 11, 2013 10:17 am
@Reasons you pretty much summed up my feelings on the matter. Claire, I hope readers see things from your perspective. Your foresight is what will continue to expand your brand and in no time you will see that other fashion blogs will follow suit.
March 11, 2013 10:17 am
I have to agree and disagree with a few points in your post. Although I think it’s a great idea to branch out and feature a more diverse pool of fashionistas, I can’t help but take an issue with the justification for doing so.
First, there is nothing wrong with people speaking up when they’ve supported the site BECAUSE
March 11, 2013 10:19 am
@kbs I like a lot of white stars fashion too. But I can go to any site or media outlet to see them. Not so much for a lot of the black actors singers etc.that’s the difference. Leave this site the way it is.please and thanks
March 11, 2013 10:25 am
Jeez, I can’t believe race is an issue when it comes to fashion. I have so many style icons that include both black and white individuals. Designs like YSL, Tom Ford and Louboutin are owned by white people. Should Claire also stop showcasing new and fabulous collections from them??
IMO, if you’re fabulous, you’re fabulous. I love how FBD features people from all realms especially small screen yet glam stars. (Thanks for introducing me to Zawe Ashton!). So please Claire go ahead and keep up with the good work. Oh and Olivia Palermo is a gem. Can we get into more of her? Thanks
Stay fab xx
March 11, 2013 10:27 am
why does being diverse mean adding “white celebrities” to the mix? I guess whatever works
March 11, 2013 10:31 am
I come to this site EVERYDAY and I have noticed the posting of white people. I have a ton of white friends because almost everyone in my classes are white. I am a barista and almost every co-worker and most of my clientele is white. I think Claire is simply posting these white women because she is probably under scrutiny from other bloggers and possibly even her sponsors. I think that she has begun posting these women because it will open up the door for more money. So, I am not mad at her for that, I do not buy the whole kumbaya business at all. I am sorry! This is posted a week after Constance White reveals that she had huge pressure from her white boss to do what she wanted her to do. I love seeing a site full of nothing but brown girls because there are several sites i visit daily because I simply love fashion that feature nothing but the opposite. So I do not mind that the white women are here but if in two years this site is hugely successful with Gucci ads and nothing but postings of Rosie Huntington Whitely and Emma Stone and a smattering of black girls here and there we shall see…
March 11, 2013 10:32 am
First, there is nothing wrong with people speaking up when they’ve supported the site BECAUSE they’ve viewed it as a place designed with their interests in mind. And considering that the base market for the site is black women, and that black women supported the site because it was by and promoted other black women, I can see why there would be a bit of backlash in a sudden change. Of course I know it’s not meant to be taken this way, but too often minorities do feel the need to “appeal to a wider audience” while ignoring the base that brought success in the first place. I get it. It’s a business move. Do you, totally, but let’s not deny that at it’s core being “more inclusive” boils down to dollars.
Second, I have to say that it’s unfair to downplay the frustrations black women have by making an unfair analogy. This is not a majority site, and drawing any comparrisons between a valid concerns among a minority group should not be equated with racism. That sort of comes across as disrespectful to those of us who are fans and supporters of FBD.
Thanks for giving us a vehicle to properly and respectfully exchange fialogue on this issue, and as always I’ll keep reading.
March 11, 2013 10:34 am
@Jb
Interesting…something I didn’t even consider.
March 11, 2013 10:39 am
As fans/supporters of the site you cannot keep the site/creators from evolving just because you’re not willing to. They created the site to share their interests with ppl with similar interests…not to cater to anger, and vengeance. That they did it first so I do it back attitude is wack. If their interest have evolved, and your still the same move on. I particularly don’t like Nicky Hilton, but I do not expect the site to cater to me specifically. Many of these celebs are friends and at the same events. I hate going to sites with pics of the same events but you have to visit one site to see Angela Basset and another to see Some white celeb that may have been seating right at the same table, hugging and laughing. They’re all together and then media segregates. It’s pointless
March 11, 2013 10:41 am
There are plenty of fashion sites that show Gwen, Kim, Nicky Hilton, etc.The problem is Vogue, Elle, and other “majority” mags and sites rarely show black celebs, and models. I don’t know where you’ve been, but there are articles everyday about the lack of diversity in fashion magazines, websites, and the industry as a whole. Also, you’re basically saying that black people are monolithic. Why not highlight black designers, models in Africa, Asia, Brazil, etc. Remember the black dollar is a powerful one!! http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/Business_amp_Money_12/article_9251.shtml
March 11, 2013 10:41 am
GREAT POINTS JB!
March 11, 2013 10:41 am
I have no issues with diversity. I like the fact that this site is run by black woman/en. PLEASE keep it that way.
March 11, 2013 10:43 am
Nothing is wrong with diversity. I think it would be great if the site showcased celebrities of every race, regular fashionistas (FBD), and designers from every continent. Fashion Bomb Global.
March 11, 2013 10:44 am
My sentiments exactly @ Dom !
March 11, 2013 10:46 am
agreed with Dom and JB..there is nothing wrong with diversity but it takes away from why we (or I) come here in the first place. I can already see Blake Lively, Emma Stone and Victoria Beckham highlighted EVERYWHERE else. Why not focus on showcasing the style of those that the majority sites are missing? I thought that was the whole point.
March 11, 2013 10:53 am
I have to agree with @JB @DOM and @UGA25. I don’t see anything wrong with diversity; however, what we don’t see is mainstream diversifying to include women of color. It’s always urban outlets diversifying. Even to this day, Naomi Campbell has said how sad it is that fashion has not diversified to include us. Women of color still not chosen as models. Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar still not including women of color. So it was refreshing to come to a site and see us portrayed and feel like my body type and tone were represented. That being said, I get it, $ speaks volumes and sites work on ad $.
March 11, 2013 10:56 am
Speak!
March 11, 2013 10:56 am
I can’t believe this is even a discussion point. The same people who are saying this will be the first to cry racism. Urggh, can’t stand the hypocrisy. I can’t believe Sarah says she’s “disappointed in Claire”. the nerve. Get your own site if you are so disappointed.
Claire and fashion bomb staff, you guys are doing an amazing job and your true supporters get it. Don’t get caught up in the negativity and close-mindedness of a few. Thank you for all you do.
March 11, 2013 10:58 am
And I agree 100%. Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Nonetheless, I don’t get the fuss. I’d wager to say 75%+ of the content is still featuring an urban demographic celebrity.
March 11, 2013 11:00 am
I agree with Uga25, Dom and jb. Nothing wrong with diversity; however why must urban sites diversify to include the masses that are already represented? Today we still see no representation of women of color in Vogue, Harpers Bazaar.. So it was refreshing to come to a site and see our skin and shapes reflected. That being said $ and ad $ speak volumes so in order to attract more she probably has to diversify
March 11, 2013 11:02 am
I don’t mind the diversity as long as it doesn’t become the majority. I enjoy fashion on any race.
I would like to see a Fashion Discussion on the Kardashians. They are posted on here daily and it is overkill.
March 11, 2013 11:03 am
Honestly come to this site many times a day just to see Fashionistas of Color… I L-O-V-E the fact that Claire sheds a little light on Gorgeous Fashionable Black Women who are totally ignored elsewhere.
Now I don’t mind seeing white women from other countries who offer a different perspective on fashion; but the ones who are already celebrated on every other site really don’t this additional exposure. So I say YES to 80% BLACK and 20% OTHERS.
March 11, 2013 11:05 am
Doesn’t matter to me…. I’ll still read regardless…. seems some of these comments are exactly what “we” get offended about if another race says it about us
March 11, 2013 11:06 am
I’m a black male follower of your blog and I come here for my fix (slight fetish) of seeing women of color in haute couture. Mainly becuase I rarely see it as much on some of the other urban blogs that I follow, but also I know that this industry is not too keen on diversity in our alleged ‘Post-racial’ society.
I understand that the primary focus is on fashion, and that in itself does require posting up what may be eye-catching regardless of who exactly is wearing it. Given the industry, we can both agree to disagree that it’s unavoidable that that hot ensemble that Blake Lively is wearing would be a topic-starter even though Blake Lively is …………well………caucasian.
A woman of color could easily kill in that dress………jus sayin.
But I made that point to put this: your justification is unnecessary. do you actually believe in that commercial/social idea of “being the change you want to see” (Ghandi was a flawed man and known abuser to women…… A fact). The times it has been used are mainly to justify a mainstream society of the pale, the blue eyed and the blonde haired. Not the ebony, the brown eyed, the kinky. (Of course there is always the exception but lets be honest)
Your not a racist, or black supremacist, anyone who would think that needs a serious head-examining. You are an activist for a large group of women who are looked down upon becuase they don’t have the ‘look ( but are equally as gorgeous)’ in a obviously racist industry. Continue to be that for women of color and whatever you do.
March 11, 2013 11:06 am
I think the site should be about FASHION! Period. It doesn’t necessarily matter if the star is urban or not but if she isn’t than her fashion definitely must shine. If i MUST see Selena Gomez or Jessica Alba than their style should prove they are worthy to be on the site.
Unfortunately their street styles have been quite lack luster and nothing post worthy, which makes me feel that they were just simply thrown into the mix without any thought or consideration; simply thrown in to say, “hey, we are diverse! See?”
On the flip side, the WOC featured on this site should also be a good look too. I love that this site allows Gabrielle Union and Garcelle Beauvais to get the shine they deserve! But consistently featuring reality stars in spandex and cut out laden stripper garb isn’t a good look for a site that wants to expand, even if it’s a Mail Bomb.
#teamFBDdeservestogetaninvitetoalltheParisFashionWeekshows :)
March 11, 2013 11:12 am
(I hit “submit comment” too soon….lol)
And whatever you do, don’t sell out. But we will see if you can keep the momentum going. I would love to see more dark skinned women (regardless of ethnicity) in haute fashion on your site.
March 11, 2013 11:19 am
Yesss, I’m all here for the diversity.
You guys should totally start featuring Kate Bosworth , the Olsen Twins, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Michelle Williams, all have amazing style in which I get inspiration from :)
March 11, 2013 11:24 am
I definitely can understand where some of these ladies are coming from…its nice to visit a site that caters primarily to black women, espcially when the majority of sites hardly ever show us. Personally, I love seeing fashion bombshells and street style from other countries and races but when it comes to celebs I can really take it or leave it.
March 11, 2013 11:31 am
JB hit the nail on the head. At the end of the day it all boils down to pressure from major sponsors and $$$ and subsequently the core values that the website was built on is thrown by the wayside. I’m not buying the need for diversity “excuse” …Sorry….
March 11, 2013 11:34 am
It’s not about money guys, it never was, and never will be. We are also not changing anything about the site, just adding a few more faces.
March 11, 2013 11:35 am
This blog is successful because it showcases WOC. It is called having a niche. If I wanted to see Blake, Victoria and Emma’s fashion, I think there are blogs/sites (95% of fashion blogs) that do the job a hell lot better. It is like Iman cosmetics trying to become diverse and becoming like MAC or Makeupforever. Nonsense. Claire, just be honest and say you want more money. That’s it and it is understandable. But you will lose some people in the way.
March 11, 2013 11:38 am
Diversity on all sites should be initiated, naturally. However, maybe consider featuring fashion icons, celebrities, etc… whose life reflect a belief in active diversity not known racists and white women who certainly have entitlement attitudes. For example Heidi Klum or activists that we should know. Besides some of the white FB and MB that I have seen had an “urban” style or their style didn’t reflect typical style sensibilities of most whites american or european, which is refreshing.
March 11, 2013 11:38 am
I forgot to say that instead of posting more Kim K or Blake, you have real fashionistas who are WOC like Caroline Issa or Julia Sarr or Shala Monroque, on top of the other known celebs, that you could post but choose not to for some reasons. Diversity in the quality of WOC featured. Less Draya. Less kim K. Less Blake and racists Nicky Hilton and Ms Paltrow.
March 11, 2013 11:39 am
I can see both sides. However, I agree more with Uga25, Dom and JB. People of color [African American, Latino, Asian, Native American, etc] are rarely showcased on other websites. While I do not mind seeing Blake Lively, Nicky Hilton [etc] on this site, I just hope it stays true to its beginnings.
March 11, 2013 11:42 am
And so it begins or should I say continues…the complete whitewashing of tbis site…I luv that mozt of the people posting in favor are non-black…of course they want to see more of themselves…this blog is about to lose its niche and flava…all for the mighty dollar…and people wonder why we stay on the bottom especially black women…we’re always building others up and neglecting self…smh
Oh well any suggestions from commenters about the next blog on deck for sistas…
March 11, 2013 11:51 am
Claire,
You’ve posed a difficult and important question to us readers. First and foremost, I will visit your site regardless of who or what you post, because you’re a talented writer and your site is not only entertaining, but well-organized, substantive, and thoughful.
That said, do I think you should diversify? Well, after much thought, I’ve concluded the answer is yes and no. Why diversify? It can get a little exhausting to read post after post about Solange, Rihanna, and Kim K. Just for the sake of increasing the amount of material available to readers, I would say diversify! Also, a lot of the looks you feature are race-neutral, which is why a lot of your readers are white.
On the flip side, with a few exceptions (notably, models, Kerry Washington, etc), your site features quite a few “curvier” celebrities, and as a size 8, I really appreciate that. Your “what to wear” posts are my bread and butter for shopping inspiration because they tend to feature looks that don’t just work on the size 0s and 2s, but on us more average women. I fear if you introduce too many white celebrities, women like Gwyneth Paltrow, who probably is a size 2, then the looks you’re featuring will no longer be relevant or useful to me.
I think, ultimately, it’s a balance. I know that I’m not going to come to FBD next week to see a barage of white faces. I know that you will always stay true to your values and goals as a writer, a woman of color and an entreprenuer. I trust your judgment and I look forward to following the blog into this new era!
March 11, 2013 11:51 am
Miroslava Duma should be featured! She’s Russian and has amazing style!
March 11, 2013 11:51 am
I think diversity is fine, but I understand the feeling of mistrust that Women of Color feel when assimilation kicks in and the mainstream approach becomes the status quo.
In the magazine or blogger world, specifically, with regards to this site, this equals to broadening your fashion scope to appeal to more advertisers or readers, while abandoning the core misson of giving a voice to the unseen in fashion.
But as long as you guys, don’t abandon your core fan base or the mission at heart, I say the more the merrier. Just know we will be watching.
March 11, 2013 11:57 am
I agree with the ladies that stated that perhaps you should give your focus to other bloggers rather than the usual Blake, etc.
Claire, I appreciate your sentiments and addressing the comments regarding financial gain.
March 11, 2013 12:06 pm
There is absolutely nothing wrong with diversity, therefore that poll question should have been worded differently, but I agree with others… We come here for the niche that the site had and still has, the mainstream sites are not beating down the door to include minority fashion regardless of race. This is quite clear that this is more of a business issue, and if that is so, then make that money bc we dont pay your bills! I work in sponsorship, so I understand…..just don’t lose your followers bc this site is awesome!
March 11, 2013 12:09 pm
The website is called FASHION BOMB not BLACK FASHION BOMB if you can’t handle the diversity then maybe you should just go click on mediatakeout and worldstar !
March 11, 2013 12:09 pm
The site is already diverse if your showing women of color. I am another reader who is on everyday. However, I read many other fashion articles and blogs in a day. I have to agree that this is the only one out of all of those I see people of color. I dont think its a bad thing that you are going to add “new faces”. Just take into concideration that none of the white publications are trying to “add new faces”. Either way I love your work and will continue to read.
March 11, 2013 12:09 pm
Love this post!!! Many people need to read this because I am so tired of black people getting in their feelings. Nothing wrong with diversity. We are all human and if a site caters to urban fashion it does not necessarily mean all other sects are taboo. I see this everyday. As a black fashion photographer, I have black people constantly asking me why do you shoot mostly white people? Oh excuse me for photographing who I am paid to shoot. It’s my job and money in my pocket knows no color, and if I am doing a project which has a story line I will go with who suits my project. We really need to move forward and stop holding unto racial issues that have plagued society for centuries, unless there will be no change. Change starts with you.
March 11, 2013 12:12 pm
I think the site is fine the way it is. FB posted a wack picture of Selena Gomez last week that got like 2 responses, but then posted Tullie and got over 100. If you don’t like it don’t look. You can’t please everyone, but a few fly white chicks thrown in for good measure won’t hurt. I personally think too many of the black people on here can be seen on any other site; like just posting a Beyonce IG pic is what everyone does. I turn on Extra or Fashion Police, she’s on there. I only have about 5 fashion sites that a look at on a regular and all have a common thread: they put me on to something I don’t already know about. There have been many times I found something on here that was new to me, and if it happens to be a white girl rocking it, then so it be’s. I know about H&M, and Fendi and leggings, what else is out there?
March 11, 2013 12:19 pm
I’m on the fence about diversifying the site. While on one hand, it brings in a larger readership and more advertising, which is great for Claire, who has had my support for the past 6 or so years– I like this site because it caters to women of color. As others have stated, white women in fashion are featured on main fashion sites on a daily basis. FBD is where we can come to see people who look like us. While I love to see Bombshells of all races and ethnicities, I don’t want the daily posts to become white washed, especially when the fashion isn’t all that great, a la Salena Gomez and Mila Cunis. More often than not, I’m wondering what’s so special about their look that you all thought to include it?
March 11, 2013 12:27 pm
I don’t get why it has to be one way or the other. As a black woman I see nothing wrong with celebrating the style and beauty of all cultures and why FBD’s decision to do so is seen as a threat to us. Last I checked they are still all about “urban” culture which is way more diverse that black and Latin. Imagine if this were a thread on Vogue orRefinery 29 calling them out for featuring a handful of non-white girls here and there. We’d scream racism. Be the change and let it go. It’s just a fashion blog after all.
March 11, 2013 12:28 pm
I agree with JB. When I visit certain blogs that cover an event such as the Grammy’s, one site will show about 40 red carpet pics of which one person will be a minority. Another minority based blog will feature the same event and show 10-12 red carpet pics, almost all of minorities. If I only visited the former site and not the latter I would not have experience the red carpet styles of people who look like me. For this reason I find value in sites that feature minority contributions to fashion and entertainment. To me this site currently has a balance of representation. I imagine if this balance is abandoned many readers may also adjust. That being said, who knows maybe change is good. I certainly wish the editor the best of luck.
March 11, 2013 12:28 pm
Well, I love the diversity. of course this is the one major fashion blog that i visit, and often times i’m at odds with some of the comments on here. As if they aren’t open to fashion, so I’ve always placed this blog in a certain gray area. I love coming on here, I love supporting but a lot of the times I dont feel the love on here for this to be a site catered to uplifting women of color in the fashion industry or and fashion bombs. And I mean the mean people who hide behind computers who nothing but negative things to say. I feel like there are still a ton of women of color that aren’t featured on here that FBD could report about, More Latina women, Asian, and African. I say that they should be featured before white women. I guess i’m on the fence about it. A lot of times I can’t even find women of color on my pinterest to compose a “trends” post. And what I do find i can’t relate to some of the styles, and it’s not relatable to my readers either. So i don’t know. I think Mila, Selena, Demi Lavato, women who aren’t your standard, blonde hair, Blue eyes, and skinny should be featured more as well.
Either way, I’ll still come here and defend the Bomb Shells on here who step outside the box with their clothing. And congrats on going out and at least trying even if it wasn’t well recieved.
March 11, 2013 12:30 pm
But Kim K isnt “black” and she is posted on here every single day almost. I get inspired by the fashion, not by what race is wearing it. Claire I have been a reader since this was a blog page. I’ve seen the growth of the site firsthand. Yes, we as black women dont get enough representation as far as fashion is concerned but look at who is posted everyday on this site. It is Beyonce, Rihanna, Kim K, Solange and some Reality show “star”. Those seem the be the only ones that are relevant. I’m not saying go full fledged inclusive of whites (thats the problem right), Im just saying mix it up a bit. I rarely comment on this site but I will say to Claire keep up the good work. BTW no one is complaining about how there is hardly no plus size love here. JS!!!
March 11, 2013 12:36 pm
The sellout phenomenon. As soon as a black perso. Reaches a certain level of success off of the backs of other blacks they sellout to conform and appeal to the white masses. It was only a matter of time.
March 11, 2013 12:39 pm
My humble opinion: I think the problem is the type of people being added, not their skin color. I doubt that anyone would really take offense if the people you added had shown that they embrace everything the blog originally stood for: chic, urban fashion, uniqueness, street style, etc. No one really takes offense when you add a post about Gwen Stefani (most people comment about her slaying it when you post about her) because homegirl is fresh, unique, urban, fashionable and has shown that she embraces and understands other cultures through her style and her music. But Blake Lively and Nicki Hilton…come on now. Nothing about those girls says FASHION BOMB, URBAN or STREET CHIC. At least, not to me.
March 11, 2013 12:42 pm
@It is What it is. A sellout? I am anything but. If you guys noticed today, after posting this, we’ve featured a series of brown girls. As I said, we are not abandoning our core audience. We are not abandoning our core audience. We are not abandoning our core audience.
What I am is someone who has a legion of friends of different ethnicities, black women married to white men with mixed babies, best friends from Vietnam, Jewish college roomies, you name it. My life is not 100% black, and noone’s is really. We just want to reflect the reality of the world.
If you don’t get that, then…I give up.
March 11, 2013 12:49 pm
I agree with Cici. I didn’t vote in the poll because I don’t necessarily agree with either option. Growth is great, it’s change I’m averse to. I love FBD and I’ve been here for a good 5+ years, can’t get rid of me that easy though!
March 11, 2013 12:54 pm
Claire, it’s your site to do what you want with. To me the issue isn’t color, but a lot of these celebrities that you’re including don’t seem like they’re “urban” at all, but rather typical Holywood white people. I’m sure that they appreciate the exposure but they probably wouldn’t want to be associated with an “urban” label.
March 11, 2013 12:56 pm
Claire!!
I think I have been living under a rock. I loved reading this post but I sincerely thought of FBD as a multicultural site all along. Anyway I see nothing wrong with the new direction. For someone like me though, I think we need multicultural sites. There is more of a message in combining cultures than dividing them. To divide them is almost agreeing that it is ok to see minorities differently. We need presentations like yours to see that Angela Simmons is the beautiful fashion it girl like Blake Lively ( I LOVE both of them).
I am the girl who saw Suede Magazine, which considered itself a multicultural magazine, in high school when I really needed to see more women who looked like me. The magazine’s message was so clear to me. Women of color are just as beautiful and just as worthy as Caucasian women. Their style should be celebrated just the same. To someone who may not be familiar with other cultures, keeping us separate doesn’t really support the truth that all women are beautiful. Despite not always having great sites to visit like FBD and/or Italian Vogue, I DO know that we are equally as desirable and beautiful but it is nice to see that demonstrated, which is what I think FBD is doing.
So for someone who has a serious magazine addiction and big dreams, like me, reading this meant a lot.
Thanks for the inspiration. Really needed it today.
March 11, 2013 12:57 pm
@Claire You can lose the attitude, and stop with the race credentials. I’m damn proud to be Black, and share my culture with the DIVERSE Black women and men in it. You see we’re not all the same!!
March 11, 2013 1:02 pm
Thanks Claire for creating this blog. There shouldnt be a problem with having diversity. Fashion is a language we all are able to understand and enjoy with one another. We are all God’s children lets enjoy the goodness he’s blessed us with!
March 11, 2013 1:03 pm
Ok, I hate that my first response on this site had to be a slight read. Because I do love this site and when I see Claire looking GAWJUS at the international fashion weeks I vicariously place myself there right with her (lol) and it goes beyond the glitz and glamor of it all. It speaks to the hard work she has done and continues to do. I am a senior art student and I cannot tell you how many of my classmates do not even fear for the future after school is done. They do not fear because their parents or maybe even one of our professors has mentored them and helped them find a job/ really good internship in the arts…mostly another white person. It infuriates me to think that the Claire Sulmers, and ALT”s, people I honestly look up to would after working very hard to come very far then just cater to the institution that makes it harder for us to the same damn thing only with lots more stress. I love you Claire, Faith, Jihan, and Cliche but I fail to see the reason to try to fix what ain’t broken.
March 11, 2013 1:04 pm
If you notice carefully, no one is disturbed by the Asian or Hispanic inclusion. I like this site because I get to see women of color being great. Sure some of it is rachet Draya sh*t but at the end of the day, it’s black women style. And this is why the site is successful BUT is also why the site will be dismissed by people in the fashion world. But that should not be a reason for the site to become super inclusive. Acceptance from the fashion world will NOT come by adding some pale faces. The change we want to see in the world? Idk it sounds so idealistic that it’s laughable [sorry Claire]
I lol at ANYONE who is shocked about racism in the fashion world. I think these are the same fools who want everything to be post-racial and think because we have a black president everything is unicorns and rainbows. Get real. It is not. Who run the world? It ain’t girls…or if they are, they are white, much like the HBO show has shown us.
March 11, 2013 1:08 pm
@UGA25 I don’t think I have an attitude. I read all these comments and care about what you think, which is why this is a topic, and why I’m responding.
Regarding diversity of black people, we feature that as well…from Keyshia Ka’oir to Kerry Washington…from Draya to Shingai Shoniwa. We can only do our best. Now back to blogging!
March 11, 2013 1:08 pm
I missed the Gwenyth Paltrow is a racist memo…
Anyway, Claire I’ve been following your blog for years. Not only have you grown as a business woman, but your personal style is tremendous. I really have to take my hat off to you.
I think FBD does a great job showcasing women of different nationalities, ethnicities, sizes, complexions, and ages. I have never visited this site and thought that was a waste of time. There is something for everyone here. I see nothing wrong with highlighting those with great style. To echo Rebecca, I would rather see Victoria Beckham than Emily B.
One consideration, I think a great way to diversify is to focus more on individual style. I really can’t with most of these Bombshell submissions. Please try to incorporate more street style posts year round instead of only during NYFW, and the Paris, London and Milan shows.
March 11, 2013 1:12 pm
…when did you get rid of the urban fashion tag? That used to be there so it is clear the blog is moving in a new direction. Idk I think we readers are possessive and protective of the blog…which means you’ve done a good thing Claire in making your readers vested in this blog that you’ve created.
As long as you continue to cater to your core readership, I will continue to skip posts that don’t interest me and click posts that do. I just don’t ever want to come to a point where I skip more than I click :)
March 11, 2013 1:13 pm
I absolutely love your site. I fully support your diversity. You’re always going to highlight the fashionistas of color so I don’t see what the controversy is. Fashion is the common denominator.
March 11, 2013 1:15 pm
I like the idea of diversity, but I do feel like FBD should cater to the core audience. I personally would love to see other stylish WOC, not just the same old recycled people… That requires research and really digging deeper than instagram or the latest reality tv star’s club outfit. I want to see FBD thrive beyond the “urban fashion” circuit, but you should never have to compromise your values to be successful. Set the standard Claire.
March 11, 2013 1:19 pm
@Claire, you’re just going to have to accept that you will lose some of your readership with the changes. Not everyone is going to agree and they aren’t required to. You don’t need to explain yourself further, you already did in the original post.
I personally have always seen this as a multicultural site with edge, like a continuation of Suede Magazine online. All of the white fashion bombs you listed above pretty much fit that image, Gwyneth, not so much. But then, it’s your site at the end of the day so I won’t argue with your inspiration or vision.
I think that diversity is great, so long as you aren’t bring the same pics we can find on MSN Wonderwall. Maybe, as someone previously mentioned, more high end fashionistas and more international faces would be the way to go. But at the end of the day, it’s your decision. People bitch and moan about Rita Ora and the Kardashians and that flow didn’t stop.
March 11, 2013 1:20 pm
Go UGA 25
March 11, 2013 1:37 pm
Keep evolving! I love the diversity:-) I don’t come to this site for just BLACK fashion. I visit this site for FASHION and FASHION doesn’t have a race or a color. Keep up the positive posts!
March 11, 2013 1:39 pm
Diversity is great and there is no need explaining yourself Claire. You have the right to write about who you want to on your site. I do not understand what the whole fuss is about really. I support you all the way.
March 11, 2013 1:52 pm
Sellout.
March 11, 2013 1:54 pm
Fashion has always been able to cross all racial lines, ethnicities, etc. It would be narrow minded to think that as the site and its popularity grows, that it should not evolve and continue to include ALL of the fashion icons we admire and get inspiration from. Keep doing what you are doing because two wrongs DO NOT make anything right!
March 11, 2013 1:54 pm
@ Claire: I disagree with you saying you really try to display more than the regular ol Kim K., Solange, Rihanna, Rita O. I’m going to cite the Street Etiquette guys, Caroline Issa, Julia Sarr Darmois and Shala Monroque again who were all over the recent fashion weeks worldwide, praised in all those “white” fashion blogs but not once posted here…
March 11, 2013 1:56 pm
I do come here for mostly the women on color, since I don’t get to see many fashionable ones here in Berlin. I click the posts I like, and skip the ones I don’t like.
March 11, 2013 2:17 pm
“…when did you get rid of the urban fashion tag? ” Good observation @SPS. I agree with whomever said they’re not against diversity but it’s the celebrities chosen. Gwynethy Paltrow and Justin Beiber? Really? Black or white, I was tired of seeing the same 4 people posted everyday..Rihanna, Beyonce, Kim K (for the record she’s white), Solange even when they’re look wasn’t worthy of a post. You can diversify without going typical predictable main stream. So the issue here really IS about diversity more than race because even within the same race, I felt there was a lack of diversity.
March 11, 2013 2:19 pm
Everyone seems to be up in arms about this, a la the “sellout” comments. I don’t think diversity is such a bad thing, as long as Claire stays true to the core agenda.
March 11, 2013 2:25 pm
Some of these folks that comment are just ignorant. they need to open their minds and not be so one sided. Fashion is Fashion regardless of who’s wearing it. I love the diversity and thats just why i visit this blog every day so I can get plenty of ideas.
March 11, 2013 2:37 pm
What’s so interesting to me is that I noticed the inclusion of Gwyneth Paltrow, Mila Kunis, etc. But it never crossed my mind that people would have a problem with it. I simply viewed it as an expansion of the typical style icons we saw on FBD. I’m here for the fashion, the healthy exchange that ensues when controversial or interesting topics are presented, and to keep up on the trends. Fashion is art and having grown up in the arts, I know first hand how art can bridge gaps and transcend race. Kudos to Claire and the Team!
March 11, 2013 2:39 pm
Really late but I think diversity needs to be looked at. Is the diversity of color or diversity of fashion? Also, we should look at what is the change you hope to see? Is the change giving viewership to more people of color which seems to be the initial change you wanted to see or is the change you want to see better treatment and inclusion of people of color in the fashion world. Neither I believe will be positively affected by posting fairer skin on the blog. I do not click on any Hilton or Paltrow posts because they could care less about people of color. Selena Gomez has some nice pieces so I peek in the articles posted about her, Nicole Richie too. I honestly wish I could dissuade you from posting too many mainstream celebrities period, especially white counterparts. Not because I am racist, but because I think the edge of the site lies in posting up and comers and the not so well know. I enjoy those posts the most. Urban fashion is a muse to many and I just hope your initial vision hasn’t been skewed because it was enough and more. The direction should be your own and not to fit in. I don’t see change coming from including those who exclude you. I don’t feel it will hurt you but I don’t see it aiding in inclusion of minorities anywhere else. Maybe ask some of your readers to send in finds and artists and fashion that you all don’t have the time to dig for. My 2 cents.
March 11, 2013 2:39 pm
C’mon people some of the sellout comments are really unnecessary and rude. We don’t all have to agree, but at the very least be respectful of the blog and the person who provided you with a space to dialogue.
Be respectful!
March 11, 2013 2:45 pm
It’s pretty simple. If you have a problem with any race or their fashion showing up on here you are a racist. It doesn’t matter black, white, what other ‘white’ sites/white media does-that’s irrelevant. If you are judging someone based on their skin color you are a racist, and it needs to stop. Wake up people, this is 2013.
March 11, 2013 2:49 pm
Well said Claire!
March 11, 2013 2:53 pm
I’ll start by saying I love coming to FB for my fashion fix. I understand wanting to diversify the site & that can be done without white washing the blog. There are so many minorities in fashion that are worth mentioning. Adding more white women is not “the change we wish to see in the world.” We want more women of color everywhere, in the masses. Why not be the start of that? I don’t think you have to conform to the ways of this society only to appeal to people who want to exclude us in the first place.
March 11, 2013 2:57 pm
Lol, people really wrote a lot. I’ll read it in a second, I just wanted to say that while Kim K, Nicki M, an Nene L. are frequently featured here, I think you could have started with a more diverse line of people to be featured. Maybe even include people from africa or south america (just ideas). The people you want to feature now are (in my opinion) people that Hollywood has been trying to ‘make happen’, but if you want to help that’s your choice of course.
March 11, 2013 3:20 pm
I couldn’t give a fuck. It’s fashion. Feature whomever you like.
March 11, 2013 3:34 pm
IA w/all posts that say you should diversify the women of color even featured. The ‘white people posts’ as I call them are perfunctory and the women of color style posts are becoming that way as well. A Kardashian is posted all the time [and they ain't black they just sleep with black men]. What happened to the interview posts with industry insiders? More site take overs by young hot fashionistas. Fashion that isn’t just focused on BasketBall Wife chic.
March 11, 2013 3:35 pm
I feel like as long as the sites like 75% people of color I’m happy. The reality is if she want to post about anything “white”. She wouldn’t be posting anything because black celebrities where white designers, white designers have the major ad campaigns featuring black models, and white photographers photograph black models, actresses, and celebrities. It’s impossible to have an all black site like uga25′s life. And I feel bad for you that you only surround yourself with people who look like you, everyone’s culture is valuable and something to learn from and excluding anyone who doesn’t look like you is a detriment, IMHO. I like the diversity, Claire and I hope others come around, because exclusion is never the answer when it comes to race and culture.
March 11, 2013 3:52 pm
Great topic Claire. I’m fairly new to the site and the reason I came is because of the out of the box posts on fashionistas of color that are ignored by mainstream media. I work in fashion and yes the white wash is still at epidemic.That being said, a few other posters pointed out that highly photographed, stylish black women across the globe, Shala Monroue etc.. are rarely featured. Post more of them and the CEOs and socialites of color who live and breath this stuff. Not so boring commercial celebrity mess. Most are professionally styled and terribly boring. I love the inclusion of fashion bomb entries from Russia, England, South Africa etc. I believe you are already diversifying the convoluted market by having a fashion blog highlighting the “minority” in fashion but showcasing the majority of the world. Keep doing what you are doing and don’t be scared. Success unimaginable is on the other side of fear. You are the change we want to see in the industry. The world is full of us. The majority to be exact. Media would have us think different. Don’t be like them.
March 11, 2013 3:54 pm
I don’t mind white women being included but at times the posts on outfits worn by a Blake or Nicki H aren’t that great. The Beckhams have style and lots of people of all colors gravitate to their style. Many European fashion bombshells are interesting because of their different perspectives and styles. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of them.
I think it’s unfortunate that people cry hypocrisy when WOC want a safe place and a platform. Look around. Where else will we get that unless it’s Rihanna or Ashley M? Reverse racism is impossible in this instance because institutionally the minority does not have more power and our institutions are not created in a way that allows for minorities as a whole to be equal to the majority. How can some of us act as if it is only right to do the right thing by being diverse and include more white women when WOC are diverse in their own right? Isn’t the point of FBD to show the diversity of color? I’m not saying it’s wrong to include whites but it is also not wrong for some to want to only see people of darker hues.
Why is it up to us to be correct in this way? Why is it wrong for some of us to want to keep something for ourselves when we live in a society that elevates white women by literally not showing/hiding/putting down EVERYONE ELSE? This “diverse” mindset has us fighting amongst ourselves. Do you think other blogs are having this same conflict?
When we live in a society that determines the majority tall by cutting the minority at the knees it is not wrong to want to build yourself up and protect yourself from the pervasiveness of the majority.
Claire can do whatever she wants because it is her baby. Hopefully people who don’t like the new direction will be inspired by FBD and create even more pedestals for women who are often left in the shadows. Isn’t that the point? Why only have one place for WOC to go? WOC have so much potential to create spaces for ourselves online so let’s have our presence illustrated– money talks! No more shadows! Let’s not let our heels be the only way we can stand tall!
March 11, 2013 4:15 pm
That’s a great essay Taylormay. The fact that you want a platform and a safe place for WOC is understandable, but why do you think excluding others based on their race (thereby mimicking mainstream media’s immoral tactics and attitudes) is acceptable?
Institution schminstitution…would it be racist for a white person to say “we want to see white people on xyz site?”
If so, why ISN’T it racist for you to say the same thing?
March 11, 2013 4:22 pm
I appualled you for the diversity. People scream there is none in fashion and when you and your staff try to bring some into the world “yall are selling your soul and bring in white people’ No one had issues when Amber Rose {white} is featured or the Kardashian’s who are not black they are of another nationality though. Keep it up. I like to see what other people are doing. Gwen, Victoria, Blake and Selena all have great style game. They are also not rocking bodycon dresses every day plus they dress for their bodies! At the end of the day if you do not want to see a particular celeb do not comment on their post. People need understand when you resist something it becomes more relevant in their life. This is bigger than making it a mix on the site. Open up your minds. People serving fashion comes in all races, sizes and genders.
March 11, 2013 5:13 pm
People are so rude. This is really boiling my blood that people are making sellout comments. Crabs in a freaking barrel. Uhh. Claire, please pay no mind to the hypocritical closet racists.
March 11, 2013 5:34 pm
Racist? That was the most foolih thing I have ever read on this blog @Christineidiot as well as highly offensive. My problem as well as people who agree with me is not against white people. It’s the fact that Claire is selling out to appeal to her white audience when the blog is primarily supposed to be Afrocentric not Eurocentric. I see enough of that in vogue this is a place where I should be able to see and celebrate my heritage. And before you sling around the term racist how bout you look it up
March 11, 2013 5:38 pm
There is ton of diversity already with the inclusion of other minority’s. Whatever direction is taken if I see to many white woman i might as well pick up the next vogue.
March 11, 2013 5:55 pm
Is FBD part of this Black Girl Revolution?
http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2013/03/a-black-girl-revolution-ignites-on-tumblr/
March 11, 2013 5:58 pm
I kinda like seeing some different faces. Including white women doesn’t mean it excludes any of the other women of color. Everyone can be included.
March 11, 2013 6:01 pm
My complaint was really just towards SELENA GOMEZ and light weight kim k. throw these “non-ethnic” celebs in there when they truly do something fashionably notable – but every dam* day?
Its the same celebs (regardless of skin color) that’s the problem. and as someone mentioned above, you can diversify whilst staying true to your core.
peace
March 11, 2013 6:07 pm
Because ABSOLUTELY NO ONE HAS THE MONOPOLY ON BEAUTY!
March 11, 2013 6:10 pm
@LiteR, I completely agree with everything you wrote. Claire do not be fearful, do not veer from your course. Your original vision, that intention is what made this site so successful, do not waver and do not lose sight of that. To do so would be too great a loss. I follow FB because it’s different, it’s ethnically rich, I love many of the post by international bombers, I love that you uplift the minority. You create a space amidst the noise for them.
As a few have identified ‘diversification’ is semantic, and as these comments evidence many do not feel that the inclusion of fair skinned celebrities is true diversity. Perhaps you should consider what diversity really means to you.
No, mainstream media does not celebrate, showcase, nor idealise women of colour, not just black women but women with various hues of melanin. It instead barely acknowledges them, as I’m sure you are well aware. I honestly feel that by diluting the essence and future potential of this site under the guise of ‘being the change’ is deeply misguided, and somewhat dishonest…your shortchanging yourself.
Yes include white people, but set the standard, include only those who truly reflect fashion, those who possess a true calibre of style, of chic. Dig deep, search wide, tap further into the well of ethnic shades, do what you are already doing. Refine it, don’t change it.
March 11, 2013 6:11 pm
Ignore the ignorance and refuse to stagnate, Claire. That said, I didn’t know what to vote: as a reader for about a year, I’ve always found the blog to be diverse anyhow.
(And aren’t Latinas/Latinos visible minorities? Yes, I opened another can of worms :lol:)
As for those up in arms about “another Black site jumping the shark” consider spending your time and money with companies, who ever they are owned by, which support diversity. That’s why I’m on FBD (Black-owned) regularly and covet my vintage Shrimpton Couture (white-owned) daily.
March 11, 2013 6:26 pm
@ It is what it is-I’m an idiot because I asked a question? I know the definition of it. Clare is not selling out to appeal to a white audience and saying that makes you the idiot. Nevermind the fact that you don’t know the difference between to/too/two and women/woman. Lol…ignorant people.
March 11, 2013 6:27 pm
I think many of those who are opposed to the diversity angle because we are constantly marginalized and not given space on their (read: white) blogs, publications, magazines, fashion shows, etc. so in turn WHY do we have to give in and give these people spotlight/press on our forums… why is it always US who have to be diversified but the other side is lacking on the same front willingly. Let’s call a spade a freaking spade here white media knows we exist but THEY DON’T CARE. They only care when they can marginalize us and capitalize off of us plain and simple. Let’s stop buying the post-racial crap the calendar may be going forward but people’s views on how they view us is not.The reason I gravitated towards FBD was the sisterhood vibe and connection of the blog (even when we are arguing with each other…lol) and that it was different because there is only a handful of black blogs that catered and tailored to our needs as women of color in a positive way. There is nothing (NOTHING) wrong with diversity but is it diversity for diversity sake or something else…besides if I wanted to see what a lot of these other non-women of color Like Victoria Beckham, Mila Kunis, Selena Gomez, Jessica Simpson, etc. are wearing I can visit 1001 other sites or watch popular entertainment shows to get the (more than extensive) coverage. If you want to diversified FBD there are plenty of ways to do it then going the commercial route…shrugs. But at the end of the day it is your decision, I just skip the posts I don’t like.
March 11, 2013 6:46 pm
I don’t see the issue of diversity being argued on white media….
#justsaying.
March 11, 2013 6:50 pm
Hey! I love how you incorporated the pics of white actors and called it diversity. Lol. I’m all for diversity (I love me some gwyneth and Blake) but please stick yo your original vision or u will soon become just like all of the other fashion blogs oh there. However, If diversity is your new objective make sure this means more then white skin ;)
March 11, 2013 7:07 pm
@binks-get out my brain! Lol…totally agree with everything you said.
March 11, 2013 7:18 pm
Im all for diversity on the site, it’s refreshing.
But as an African-American studies major, Claire, you should know that a lot of things will always, consciously and unconsciously, turn back to white privilege. It won’t go away. It will always be an issue of black and white.
Keep going in the direction in your going (which I’m sure you’ll do) and expand your brand. I love it.
March 11, 2013 7:18 pm
I come to this site to see people that look like me, with that being said, I know this is a business decision and I’ll still come here daily. I’ll just scroll on past the stuff that doesn’t interest me.
March 11, 2013 7:22 pm
im here to comment on the fact that i think some of yall are flat out rude and disrespectful. if you feel a certain way i wish you would respond in a decent manner instead of slinging around terms like “sellout”…jeez.
i see no problem with diversity. i can see why some people would be upset. and yes, the fashion industry is EXTREMELY non-accepting of color. i cannot foresee this blog turning into a blog that predominantly features “non-ethnic” models. and were it to, i think it would be a travesty.
but i still hold there is nothing wrong with diversity. claire is saying she is not going to ignore the core audience or intent to create the blog in the first place. so that means there will be just MORE posts.
perhaps a compromise is the diversity can come when there is a MAJOR fashion moment. not just g paltrow in something simple, but g stefani in something…amazing. there’s a difference there. after-all…the first word in the title is FASHION. not “black”. or “urban”. or “ethnic”.
lastly…is it possible some people come here more for the “gossip”-like aspects of the site?? i dont mean that in a bad way. i follow no other blogs, this is my one-stop shop for fashion so this is what i come for. but is it possible some of the anger comes from the fact some people want to READ about urban fashionistas and celebrities, and are not very interested in the clothing at all?
and lastly FOR REAL this time…the fashion industry is bigoted. stop buying vogue, numero, etc etc if you do not like it. make your own private stance. spread the word. dont support it then. but dont take all that heat out on claire alone…yikes. those that are the most upset, i hope you are acting accordingly…
cheers :)
March 11, 2013 7:55 pm
I honestly don’t think it’s the race as much is it is the person/post, because I don’t see much blow back (at least in the comments) when you make a Gwen Stefani or Victoria Beckham post. You could probably post some SJP too-she dresses her ass off.
But Gwyneth is stale and Blake is cute, but she gets it wrong OFTEN. That picture you posted of her up top ain’t right.
March 11, 2013 8:43 pm
I see where FBD is coming from, and I also get the other prospectives. Either you like it or not, but either way Clair is going to do what she wants. #umph
March 11, 2013 8:56 pm
All these negative comments are just ridiculous. When I ran into FBD, I was glad to come across a “multicultural” site. I have always viewed it that way and probably always will.
Some of you want black women/men to be the only ones featured but have no problem with the non-white designers. Yes the people featured are urban but were the clothes they wear designed to be urban or is it considered urban based on who is wearing it?
I applaud you Claire and the rest of FBD, two wrongs don’t make a right and maybe others will follow in your footsteps and maybe they won’t. But you will sleep better at night knowing you are trying to incorporate diversity in your corner of the fashion world.
March 11, 2013 11:39 pm
Ya cause everyone is gonna have perfect gammer typing from a phone. Foolish @Christineidiot. Stateing that people are racist because we don’t want a Eurocentric blog is ridiculous and idiotic. If your selling out to pay your bills just say so, this whole ” i have white friends so I wanna include white people” is odd to me
March 11, 2013 11:40 pm
I’d be happy if you stopped featuring Jessica Albanian because her style is soooooooo boring. Like watching paint dry.
March 11, 2013 11:41 pm
alba
March 11, 2013 11:51 pm
I come here to look at clothes. I barely even noticed that there were more white celebs than usual.
I don’t see any complaints about KimK being featured ALL THE TIME, who is neither black, nor has an “urban” fashion sense. (And is also half white)
March 12, 2013 12:12 am
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” point blank period. The site is diverse enough, you feature models and fashionistas from around the globe as stated before why does being “diverse” mean straying from posting on woc? Essence is a magazine that caters to African American women but yet is diverse I say keep it the way it is
March 12, 2013 12:35 am
What an incredibly thoughtful and appropriate response! Let’s evolve, folks. Fashion should be inclusive of all races. “Urban fashion”–from who wears it to who identifies with it–has itself evolved over the last few years and it’s perfectly appropriate for FBD to recognize and adapt to those changes.
March 12, 2013 12:38 am
Hmmmm. As someone who has read FBD for years(I still call it The Fashion Bomb lol), I must say I’ve noticed the change. I just figured other people hadn’t. But it’s tough not to when every day I have to scroll across a picture of the Kardashians(and other beige celebs) in their latest garb.
As black people, we do always feel like we have to include people who could care less about including us… It’s the reason why we have to create our own in the first place. I fully understand the business decision; if you aren’t growing, you’re dying. However what price do you ultimately pay for such a decision? As someone who is building a blog, I get it though; essentially the views and clicks write the checks.
March 12, 2013 1:55 am
I honestly didn’t even notice the change. I don’t have a problem with the blog being more diverse…personally i would appreciate to see more risks being taken in regards to the fashion. The site has been turning into a pop culture blog as of late. A lot of the posts that feature celebs are obviously more about the person than the actual clothing (there are good number of posts where you can barely see the outfits or the celeb is wearing something extremely basic and co-sign on the person who mentioned Jessica Alba above). There are so many people out here with great style it’s a shame to see the same 4-5 people on here everyday. I have no issue with all races being featured as long as it’s being spoken about from a minorities point of view. I would love to see more features of up and coming designers and people with great style in general though. Either way this is the one and only blog that i check on a consistent basis and don’t see myself moving on to something else anytime soon. I love the site and look forward to seeing what the future has in store for you all.
March 12, 2013 2:08 am
Just keep the kardashians to a minimum…
March 12, 2013 2:22 am
and yes the kardashians,selena gomez,nicole richie, nichole s and jessica alba are minorities as well lets not be biased!
March 12, 2013 3:29 am
Seriously some of you have some anger management issues and are control freaks.
First of all, and most importantly: this is Claire’s blog.
Second of all, I personally didn’t even notice “white celebs” have been featured as being something out of the box. I live in South Africa, I am Mozambican, I am black, I have friends of every race – Black, White, Mixed, Indian – you name it. I have a blog as well. Should I just limit my posts about black people because I’m black?
You guys are so mad at the past and yes – racism is here and really it’ll probably take centuries for it to ever, EVER go away, and for us to keep on the tradition of separating ourselves from the other races is just perpetuating the problem.
I am african, my country has been independent for about 38 years, so I know about resentment and racism and stuff. Im black, my dad is black, his father was mixed and somewhere in the family tree there was white italian people. What am I? 93% black or something and I seriously don’t care about race.
Anyway I’m just mad because you are so quick to judge, you are busy hurting Claire’s feelings by calling her a sellout for wanting to post something she really likes, but stopping herself because of all of y’all.
Claire: post whatever you like, you’ve been doing a great job so far, keep up, grow, as you said, you have readers from everywhere and from every race, it is only fair you also post fashion from everywhere, regardless of this person’s – bombshell or celebrity’s – race.
March 12, 2013 5:43 am
Being diverse is one thing, but u are the only blogger letting in other races other fashion blogs focuse and continue to highlight their own culture . I dont see them featuring or posting or tyring their hardest to feature black people. Look at all these magazine companies completely overlooked the black community, but are now bending over more than prostitues to cater to the mexicans. They all have what is about to be every single magazine now catering to that entire race by giving them their own version. Again another generation blacks got left behind. This is the beginning this site will be bought out and will be in spanish eventually.
March 12, 2013 8:50 am
@Kris just plain ignorant.
March 12, 2013 11:12 am
Claire I agree with diversity completely. But to thine own blog remain true. Changes will come, but hold on to that niche that brought and kept me and many other readers here in the first place. Your loyal readers will remain, others may fade away because of fear of the unknown, but as long as you stay true to the vision and values fbd is based on, you will gain more and become even bigger than you imagined. I come here because I can relate, you inspire me and most of the styles you showcase I can achieve effortlessly. I am a Bahamian woman that finds style inspiration from Sheikha Mozah, so diversity I indeed embrace.
March 12, 2013 11:14 am
I’m from Brazil and I LOOOOOVE FBD *-*
I visit this site thousand times a day, also commeting a lot on FBD Facebook fan page lol
I’m a ‘white’ guy (as u all know, my country is very miscegenated) and the whole race thing is not a big deal for most of us.
I appreciate white blogs as well as urban blogs (actually this is my favorite English-speaking fashion blog besides Red Carpet Fashion Awards)
sooo I’m here for all these ethnicities :)
-
Ps: I looove ur fierceness, Claire *-*
March 12, 2013 12:08 pm
Diversity (real diversity, not tokenism) is great. Featuring the same over-exposed celebs (of any race/ethnicity) as every other fashion site is wack.
March 12, 2013 4:33 pm
I like the idea of an “urban” site. I’ve been reading daily for almost five years and this is my favorite. In my opinion there wouldn’t be such a big hoopla if the white girls had urban appeal or really sickening/inspirational style.
My issue is that these are not Victoria Beckems or Gwen Stefanis just something other than brown… basic, run of the mill, garden variety, average, everday white girls. No offense
March 12, 2013 10:10 pm
Nothing wrong with diversity. Personally I prefer the black women and most women of color i.e. asian or hispanic. There are some pretty white women out there of course but I think black women can rock a style much better not trying to sound harsh but yeah. That’s just me though.
March 15, 2013 5:40 am
OH MY GOD, I DIDN’T EVEN NOTICE the slight change of race on the blog. i’m so focused on the fashion THAT THE RACE OF THE PERSON WEARING THE CLOTHING DOESN’T MATTER.
CONTINUE DOING WHAT YOU DO. YOU’RE FINE. EVERYTHING IS FINE.