Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Blacks in Fashion! History Continues



Jourdan Dunn Channel Iman


























There has always been a struggle for Blacks in the world of fashion. The High fashion industry has never catered to Blacks ever as compared to Caucasians. Many of the pioneers such as Beverly Johnson, Iman, Naomi Cambell, Tyra Banks, and others have paved the way for the present black models and those yet to come. In acknowleding the tremendous success of Lyia Kebede, Alek Wek, and Chanel Iman, there is still a void of blacks in the fashion industry. Fashion is a global commodity and as such European countries and of course America are both key players.


However a change could arise in the near future. Italia Vogue is looking to change the status of the black model in fashion. They are so adamant about this issue that their July issue will have no white models and in-demand 17 yr.old Jourdann Dunn will grace the cover. Supermodel, Iman is also reported to be involved. Italia Vogue hopes to encourage other fashion magazines to do the same and broaden their diversity. Supermodel Naomi Cambell has also been outspoken about racism in fashion. Jourdann Dunn was quoted as saying “London’s not a white city so why should all our castings be white? I go to castings and see several black and Asian girls, then I get to the show and look around and there’s just me and maybe one other coloured face,” she told the Evening Standard. “They just don’t get picked. I hope it’s because the designer just didn’t think they were good enough as a model but I don’t know.”
Alek Wek

Liya Kebede









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