Multiple campaigns promoting diversity in modeling have exploded on social media. New faces can be seen in advertising for big companies such as H&M, Aerie and Swarovski. These models, not only in ads can be seen walking the runway in Fashion Weeks around the world. Models of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities are taking the runway in order to diversify the fashion world. Body positive campaigns with weight have been making a move in the modeling industry for years, and now race is catching up.
“I think it’s good because it can give minority groups more hope. It shows certain aspects of beauty and shows all sorts of people that the modeling business is no longer limited to white females. It can be a model to younger girls that there isn't as much judgment of females of different races and ethnicities,” NHS junior Jen Uhl said.
Winnie Harlow, a finalist on America’s Next Top Model 2014, was diagnosed at a young age with a skin condition called vitiligo. Vitiligo causes the loss of color in blotches due to the body not producing enough melanin, which gives the skin pigmentation. Harlow is of Jamaican ethnicity, which makes her vitiligo very evident. As a child Harlow often got bullied and changed schools multiple times due to verbal abuse, as a high school student she fell into depression and eventually dropped out.
Harlow’s breakthrough came when she competed on America's Next Top Model, since then she has modeled for magazines such as Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Ebony, Complex, and Vogue Italia. Additionally, she has been in advertisements for Sprite and Swarovski and appeared in music videos for Beyoncé, Eminem and the Black Eyed Peas.
“Her skin breaks down barriers of what is considered beautiful,” Tyra Banks said when Harlow competed on America's Next Top Model.
Harlow is not breaking down these barriers herself, model Ashley Chew along with many others are helping as well. Chew was photographed in February carrying a tote bag with “Black Models Matter” painted on the front. This slogan #BlackModelsMatter became viral on social media.
“People don't realize it but the fashion industry is really cutthroat. People will tell you straight up if they don't want black models or natural hair. Skin pigmentation doesn't matter either,” Chew said on fashionista.com.
Maria Borges also made headlines in November 2015 when she was the first black model to walk in a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Borges wore her hair completely natural in an afro.
Model Charli Howard left her agency last year after being told that at 5 foot 8 inches, a size two was too large and she needed to lose weight. Howard then spoke out on social media about how the modeling industry treats them as products rather than people. Howard then paired up with her fellow model, Clémentine Desseaux to start the All Women Project. The All Women Project feature a diverse group of women of all ethnicities, sizes and ages, modeling undergarments.
“As a consumer, you deserve to look at a fashion image and see yourself represented, not just a row of skinny Caucasian girls, but a variety of sizes and colors. We grew up uneasy with our bodies and thinking that we had to change them to make them better. We wanted to show that we’re beyond what the media is saying—we are all beautiful, all worthy, and all women,” Howard said on Vogue.com.
Companies who have started these campaigns have had very positive results from the general public. After the #Aeriereal campaign by American Eagle came out in 2014, sales went up by 20%.
“I think it’s awesome because not everyone it white and skinny, it more accurately represents society. It’s uncomfortable as a parent to walk into the supermarket and see these magazines of airbruhsed people, I have to shield my children because I want to protect them. Overall it’s a wonderful step in the right direction,” NHS guidance counselor Bret Nichols said.
Image Courtesy of cnn.com