Naomi Campbell Comments on the Lack of Black Models

Fab Blab

January 31, 2008

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is disturbed by the lack of black models in the fashion industry and rightfully so. "I don’t want to quit modeling until I find that black models get equal prominence and recognition by the world media and information instruments" she said. She may even set up her own modeling agency in Kenya to address the issue.

Despite her top-model status, Naomi also deals with discrimination. "I even get a raw deal from my own country. For example, I hardly come on the front pages of London’s Vogue magazine." We hope the world of modeling expands its horizons soon; that way, we can diversify Fab Face.

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31 Comments

girlfriday 5 years 15 weeks

I meant America Ferrera - not "American"!

girlfriday 5 years 15 weeks

I truly believe that the power to seeing women of all races, shapes and sizes in the media and in fashion lies in our hands. It's about choosing to buy Vogue with the 6ft blonde, blue eyed model on the cover or buying a Latina magazine with American Ferrera on the cover. (for one example!) And absolutely, it's of course a hurdle for women of non-caucasian, non northern-european looks to get on a magazine cover to begin with, if we push our currency into more diverse looks, I think that the fashion world will eventually respond. Money talks louder than anything else in the world.

girlfriday 5 years 15 weeks

bugsybabs 5 years 15 weeks

Oh, and middle eastern or east asian also, cause I'm used to that beauty where i live too and would like to see them more represented.

bugsybabs 5 years 15 weeks

I agree with tiabia, while there should be more diversity of all races, naomi is speaking out on something that effects her. She shouldn't be punished for not addressing asian or latino models(of which there are several). But as a black person, it is a struggle for us to be seen as beautiful in the industry or otherwise, which is frustrating for me. But also, I would love to see more asians because that is almost all of my friends so it is an everyday beauty for me, same with latinas.

aimeeb 5 years 15 weeks

She scares me...

aimeeb 5 years 15 weeks

She scares me...

tiabia 5 years 15 weeks

No one said that racism is just a "black or white" thing. Naomi Campbell is a black woman, speaking on issues that effect her as black woman. What is very clear is that Asian (Eastern, Middle and in between) women are definitely lacking in representation, but I was under the impression that Brazilian women counted as being Latin, and if that's true, then they have a LARGE hold on the modeling industry...in fact 3 super-models, arguably the top 3 (Gisele Bundchen, Alessandra Ambrosia, and Adriana Lima) are ALL Brazilian...sure they don't look like HALF the countries population, but they are in fact Latin, and I can't take that from them.

haute77 5 years 15 weeks

naomi looks awesome.

haute77 5 years 15 weeks

naomi looks awesome.

bananas6 5 years 15 weeks

she should've done this a long time ago...

xmargarida 5 years 15 weeks

I agree! I think the modeling world should definitely become more diverse and not "strictly caucasian" I would be nice to see black, asian, hispanic and etc.. However, It pisses me off when racism is seen as a black and white thing. Its not! racism targets any race and other minorities don't get the attention regarding racism agaisnt asians or middle eastern or hispanics. Drives me bonkers!

mstinalin 5 years 15 weeks

I agree with Naomi but it shouldn't be an effort to only diversify by adding black models. We should definitely add models from other nationalities. I, personally, would love for a Chinese model to be a top model! Then I could at least relate on some physical features! But any new models would be awesome!

pequeña 5 years 15 weeks

There aren't many asians or latinas either. I think it's a matter or racism, but also, if you go to Russia, you'll find a lot of women with the body type needed nowadays to be a model, but if you go to Peru, well, not as much. We also need more diverse body types.

angelinemarie 5 years 15 weeks

i agree with Naomi, there is not enough diversity in the modeling industry.

loveisreal 5 years 15 weeks

Why just BLACK models? in comparison to all the other nationalities and cultures out there, the more prominent fame given are to those who are black and white..why about latina,asian models? indian models? I honestly don't believe that black people are singled out, it's everyone as well who deserve to share their historical background as well as their talents they adhere.

turquoisepassion 5 years 15 weeks

What about Asian models? I don't see many of them in issues of magazines either...considering how many Asians there are in the world's population, we're really reeeeeally underrepresented in the modeling world. The first issue of Vogue India had a blonde model in the center of the magazine cover.

leeluvfashion 5 years 15 weeks

While I dislike her diva status and anger issues, I do agree with her on this issue. She is very right.

Kiki tee 5 years 15 weeks

Also true tiabia, and your point perfectly illustrates why the woman is full of crap and shouldn't be listened to!

tiabia 5 years 15 weeks

Naomi Campbell does have a point. But I don't understand how her setting up a modeling agency is going to address the issue. There are quite a few black models on the rolls at Elite, Ford, and Wilhemina...the issue is why aren't the editors or the designers hiring these models. PS: From what Tyra Banks said, Naomi Campbell made her enemy #1...some way to look out for your "sisters"!!!

tiabia 5 years 15 weeks

Naomi Campbell does have a point. But I don't understand how her setting up a modeling agency is going to address the issue. There are quite a few black models on the rolls at Elite, Ford, and Wilhemina...the issue is why aren't the editors or the designers hiring these models.PS: From what Tyra Banks said, Naomi Campbell made her enemy #1...some way to look out for your "sisters"!!!

Kiki tee 5 years 15 weeks

And good point about Kenya Anabj. I think they need a stable government and to avert a civil war before they get the Naomi Campbell School of Modeling. :oy:

x_juicyfruit 5 years 15 weeks

She's a very talented model. She's gorgeous. I have always, however, disliked her personality. She brings shame to the word "diva."She does, however, have every right to be upset. I rarely see black models in the magazines I read. While they are obviously "allowed" (for lack of a better term), there could be some bias feelings in casting.I do, however, think that Kenya would be the last place anyone would want to go right now.

x_juicyfruit 5 years 15 weeks

She's a very talented model. She's gorgeous. I have always, however, disliked her personality. She brings shame to the word "diva." She does, however, have every right to be upset. I rarely see black models in the magazines I read. While they are obviously "allowed" (for lack of a better term), there could be some bias feelings in casting. I do, however, think that Kenya would be the last place anyone would want to go right now.

Kiki tee 5 years 15 weeks

Ugh, this again? Whenever Naomi needs a little spotlight she either hits someone with a phone or whinges about black models not getting a fair deal...And this is nonsense:"I even get a raw deal from my own country. For example, I hardly come on the front pages of London’s Vogue magazine."I haven't heard anything about London either a) becoming a country or b) launching its own issue of Vogue, so I'm going to assume she's referring to UK Vogue, which she's been on the cover of 8, yes 8!, times.Shut up Naomi!

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