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Biggest Headline of 2008: Model Diversity Takes Center Stage

FabSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:00:22 -0800

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. Note that this was after Diane von Furstenberg, president of the Council of Fashion Designers, had urged designers to diversify their model selections the month before. At the end of the month, it was refreshing to see Hermes feature South Asian beauty Lakshmi Menon in its 2008 Spring ad.

To read more about the fight for diversity in the modeling industry, read more.

In April, more progress was made when Vogue Italia announced its quarterly July issue would feature almost all black models - this was groundbreaking. In late June, the Vogue Italia Black Issue was released and featured models Naomi, Jourdan Dunn, Liya Kebede, and Sessilee Lopez; each of whom had her own cover. If you haven't checked it out, believe me when I say it was all black, all fabulous.

Fast forward to September during the Spring showings at New York Fashion Week. Although there were more multicultural shows, the issue remained. This time, Bethann Hardison spoke on the epidemic and held a discussion, "Race on the Runway," which was attended by models and industry leaders. The battle is far from being over, and change is slow, but sure. Let's hope next year will bring us more Fab face diversity in the modeling industry.

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Fab Flash: Diversity Is Still an Issue on the Runway

FabSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:28:30 -0700

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.

(L-R: Oscar de la Renta, Sophie Théallet, Calvin Klein)

"I think we should feel really good about the changes we have seen," said Hardison, who credited André Leon Talley and Naomi Campbell for motivating her to take action.

To find out more about this issue, read more.

Attendees such as Rachel Roy, Tyson Beckford, and modeling and casting agents listened as Hardison suggested that modeling agents seek out African-American models, have designers be more involved with fashion models and booking African-American models for ad campaigns. And while criticizing Vera Wang and Badgley Mischka for their non-African-American casting, she praised Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta for their diverse choices. Issues regarding the lack of black models coming from the agencies and low pay were also raised.

Hopefully, this discussion will be one of many in the ongoing fight for diversity on the runway, and in the words of designer Michael Vollbracht, "I hate this forum because it shouldn't even be an issue."

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Vogue Italia: All Black, All Fabulous

FabSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:00:22 -0700

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. Repeat after me: Black is beautiful!
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Which Vogue Italia Cover Do You Think Is Most Fab?

FabSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:22 -0700

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. And let's not forget the late and great Yves Saint Laurent, who encouraged the use of African-American models and launched the career of Naomi Campbell.

The proofs are in! Naomi, Jourdan Dunn, Liya Kebede, and Sessilee Lopez can all call themselves cover girls because each has a separate cover, photographed by Steven Meisel. Not to pin these gorgeous gals against one another, but just as friendly competition, which Vogue Italia cover do you think is most Fab? And while we're on the subject - do you think this is a step in the right direction for model diversity?

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Fab Blab

FabSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:00:22 -0700

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.

"We are using a lot of black models, like Iman, not only the models of today – a lot of different girls," Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzani said. When asked why she decided to do this, she said: "Because nobody is using black girls. I see so many beautiful girls and they were complaining that they are not used enough."

This issue may potentially be ill-received in Italy, but Sozzani doesn't care. "Maybe in our country it is not the best idea. But I don't care. I think it is not my problem if they don't like it – it's their problem." You tell 'em Franca!

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Fab Ad: Hermes Spring 2008

FabSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:00:22 -0800

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?

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Fab Flash: New York Runways Still Devoid of Color

FabSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:00:22 -0800

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.

It's surprising and frustrating that after this issue was called to national attention last season, it's still such a problem - sad, really.

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Fab Flash: Minimum Model Diversity at NY Fashion Week

FabSugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:00:22 -0700

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."

Another fashion week spectator said, "I see an Asian girl here and there, but it seems like it has always been that way. It seems like they can't have more than one or two, and it's the same with African-American models."

When I was attending shows, I noticed the same thing, with the exception of a few designers, Tracy Reese being one of them. Have you noticed this as well? How do you feel about it?

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Fab Ad: Uniqlo Heat Tech, Fall '09

FabSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:00:22 -0700

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. I have a feeling what they're wearing, albeit totally cute, wouldn't prevent frostbite. No matter, the shots are captivating and the models are diverse. What do you think? Is this campaign making you melt or freeze?

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On Our Radar: More Diversity on the Runway at New York Fashion Week

FabSugar — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:00:22 -0800

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. People just want to bring that sort of optimism or element of change on the runways," said Elle’s creative director, Joe Zee.

However, industry experts say although some progress has been made, much more has to be done. “I’ve seen a more consistent use of black models,” said model Veronica Webb. "I still don’t see more of different kinds of faces, but we’re getting there.” Whatever the reason, we're happy to see strides in the right direction and look forward to seeing an even wider variety of beautiful models in the future.

(L-R: Ubah Hassan, Han Jin, Jourdan Dunn)

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