Legendary model agent and Editor-at-Large of Vogue Italia’s Vogue Black site Bethann Hardison wrote an article today titled, “Will Fashion Ever Integrate?”
She says, “There are still fashion design houses that choose to remain “all white” in their presentation. Maybe one model of color or two. It is difficult to stand by and watch. I have tried the organic approach and it seemed to have worked for the first couple of years but now I hear since last season in Sept/Oct…” things are slipping back”…It is time again for me to make a physical appearance.”
Though Bethann acknowledges the strides that have been made in the industry since her first Blacks in Fashion talks, she says, “I am concerned as we talk diversity, that the results won’t become permanent. That my industry of fashion designers, old and young, seem stuck in a groove.”
I think fashion has become more integrated both on runways and in magazines. About a year ago, I’d struggle to find pictures to include in our daily Snapshot section, which highlights editorials and campaigns featuring men and women of color. Now, the amount of editorials is almost overwhelming. I mean, take a look at our Snapshot from today:
That said, I think diversity behind the scenes is still severely lacking. As I mentioned in an earlier post, you can count the number of black editors attending a fashion show in Europe (specifically Milan and Paris) on two hands if you’re lucky. The invitations don’t roll in easily, the doors seem shut–it’s still a struggle. And it’s commendable that Bethann is choosing to tackle this instead of sit by and say, “Well, that’s just how things are…”
What do you think?
Read her whole article here.
