BLACK MODELS ARE DISAPPEARING FROM FASHION SHOWS

[ 10/15/2007 ]

Criticism is growing that major fashion shows are increasingly centered on White models as Black models gradually disappear from their runways. In the 1970s, fashion shows featured a considerable number of Black models. Today, however, Black models have become difficult to find at fashion shows in the United States and Europe. Of the 101 fashion shows held during ‘New York City Fashion Week,’ which concluded last month, more than one-third did not feature a single Black model. Most of the remaining shows included only one or two Black models. Chanel Iman Robinson, a Black model of Korean heritage, said, “I was the only Black model among those who appeared in fashion shows in Milan and Paris.” J. Alexander, from a television program that selects fashion models, said, “In the past, Black models practically dominated fashion show runways.” He added, “Their presence has now diminished to the point that they receive little attention unless the fashion show features a jungle theme.” Designers blame modeling agencies for sending them only extremely thin, blonde White women. The modeling agencies, however, argue that designers simply do not prefer Black models. Ivan Bart, vice president of IMG Models, said, “The response regarding Black models is always that they are not suitable for the show.” He added, “Black models are being excluded from fashion shows.” The New York Times commented on the 15th, “Thirty percent of the United States population consists of people of color, and there is even a Black presidential candidate, yet the fashion industry alone appears to remain a White world.” It added, “The fashion industry may be the only field that pays no attention to racial diversity.”