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Biggest Headline of 2008: Model Diversity Takes Center Stage
The issue of model diversity, or lack thereof, thrived in 2008. Good! The first concern was raised in February when a survey concluded that out of 1,584 modeling slots at New York Fashion Week, only six percent went to black models, six percent went to Asians, and one percent went to Latinas.
Fab Flash: Diversity Is Still an Issue on the Runway
Strike while the iron's hot. That's exactly what model veteran Bethann Hardison has done in "Race on the Runway", a discussion of the ongoing epidemic of a seemingly all-white runway. Though New York Fashion Week showed a great improvement of diversity from designers, the issue still remains a huge concern in the industry.
Vogue Italia: All Black, All Fabulous
By now you've heard the hype and seen the covers of Vogue Italia's all black July issue. Now, step inside the magazine to experience some of the powerful editorials shot by Steven Meisel. Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Liya Kebede, Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman (left), and Sessilee Lopez are all a part of this groundbreaking movement, each bringing to the table their own unique presence.
Which Vogue Italia Cover Do You Think Is Most Fab?
A while back, we announced something groundbreaking: the July issue of Vogue Italia would feature all black models. While I don't think it should be a big to-do, because this should be happening anyway, unfortunately it is and it's not happening. This rides on the heels of the runways being so white washed as of late.
Fab Blab
While the majority of fashion magazines continue to use predominantly white models, Vogue Italia is setting itself apart. The July issue of the quarterly publication will feature almost all black models photographed by Steven Meisel. While of-the-moment model Jourdan Dunn (left) will be featured inside, it remains to be seen who the title of cover girl will go to.
Fab Ad: Hermes Spring 2008
In a time when runways are hardly the picture of diversity, it's refreshing to see a well-known brand like Hermes herald a model of color — especially a gorgeous South Asian like Lakshmi Menon. The campaign is definitely a taste of something different: zillions of flower petals, brightly painted elephants holding luxurious handbags, and a very large foot trying to fit into a comparatively smaller shoe. I'm digging the label's efforts to try something new — are you?
Fab Flash: New York Runways Still Devoid of Color
While the clothes that appeared on the runways of New York Fashion Week represented the whole color spectrum, the same could not be said about the models wearing the clothes.
A survey conducted by New York Daily News concluded that out of 1,584 modeling slots, only 6 percent went to black models, 6 percent went to Asian models, and 1 percent went to Latina models. Although Diane von Furstenberg, president of the Council of Fashion Designers, urged designers to concoct multicultural shows just last month, six out of the 66 shows that took place in the Bryant Park tents had all-white lineups.
Fab Flash: Minimum Model Diversity at NY Fashion Week
In the recent past, much focus has been placed on model-related weight issues, but last week at New York Fashion Week, another issue came to light that needs to be addressed: the lack of diversity on the runway.
The dominance of white models on the catwalk is nothing new, and yet it's an issue that has been pushed to the side. As fashion photographer and "America's Next Top Model" judge Nigel Barker told WWD, "Everyone is always talking about the weight issue, I think they should be talking about race."
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Fab Ad: Uniqlo Heat Tech, Fall '09
Behold Uniqlo's Fall ad campaign for its Heat Tech collection — made from Milk Proteins, which traps heat. You ready for it? Lily Donaldson, Coco Rocha, Erin Wasson, Sasha Pivovarova, Karlie Kloss, Sessilee Lopez, and Tao Okamoto are all stylishly bundled up with snow-capped mountains in the background.
On Our Radar: More Diversity on the Runway at New York Fashion Week
We've closely followed the issue of model diversity for some time now, and judging from New York Fashion Week, designers are showing an effort to include more ethnic models this season. Some credit this change to our new president and to First Lady Michelle Obama's overwhelming popularity. “There’s a residue left over from the excitement of the inauguration.
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