Today’s Bombshell is aspiring model Lucinda from California:
She says, “ I want to model. The high fashion agencies believe that I am perfect for the commercial agencies, but when I go to the commercial agencies they all say we already have enough black girls.”
“… I always visit the agency’s site before I attend the open call. They only represent a couple of black women who have long hair and have a lighter complexion than I do. The reason I want to model is because I want to see diversity and my complexion represented everywhere –I feel young girls with darker complexions are suffering from self esteem issues and wanting to be lighter. They also may think having shorter or natural hair is a bad thing.”
” I love being African-American and my darker complexion. I was wondering if you knew of anyone that could help, or if I could be featured on your blog. I have attached some photos of myself. Thanks.”
Hi Lucinda! Thanks for writing in. As Renée Thompson demonstrated in the short documentary, The Color of Beauty (which we wrote about here), it’s unquestionably more difficult for models of color to find jobs in the industry. The best thing to do is what you are doing now: speaking out about it, staying positive about your self image, and pushing and persisting until a door opens. The issue needs constant exposure until something changes. I think you have a great style that would look smashing on the pages of any mainstream magazine.
Good luck!
What do you guys think?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style and flair of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and your Fashion Bombshell of the Day Picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
PS Not familiar with the Color of Beauty? Click here to watch.
