While the United States is regressing in terms of hate and prejudice, the fashion world seems to be turning over a new leaf, featuring a slew of artists of color in their 2016 campaigns.
While international pop stars like Rihanna and Nicki Minaj have appeared in ads for luxury brands in the past, posing pretty for Dior, Balmain, Roberto Cavalli, and more, this season ushers in more niche artists that lack the same amount of buzz, but espouse the same intangible cool factor that translates across cultures. Today, Marc Jacobs announced that Missy Elliott will appear in his Fall 2016 ads.
On Instagram, he mused, “MISSY, Supa Dupa Fly From the moment I heard, The Rain, back in 1997, I was entranced by the genius rhythms and brilliant rhymes of Missy Elliott. Missy’s music has kept me and my design team happily energized through countless weekdays, weeknights and weekends during those long hours of sketching, fitting, styling and doing looks. In addition to the boundless energy of her music are the visually pulsating and wildly cartoon-like music videos she made in collaboration with the talented and visionary, Hype Williams. I am in continued awe of Missy’s ability to push the boundaries of the style of music both to the eye and to the ear. It was a dream of mine to work with her and I’m happy to share this portrait by David Sims for our Fall ’16 campaign.”
This news comes on the heels of A$AP Rocky’s appointment as a face of Dior Homme.
Typically white washed Chanel handpicked Willow Smith as their muse back in March.
And her brother Jaden was a star of Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer campaign.
A brand favorite, he has occupied the front row at many LV shows, most recently the house’s Cruise 2017 show in Rio de Janeiro.
A change is certainly happening and we’re here for it!
Let’s just hope these developments aren’t purely superficial.
What do you think?
*See what other luxury brands champion diversity here.