By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
It’s no secret that the fashion industry lacks diversity. Proof of the lack of color can be seen on the runway, and even though there have been several big time models of color to strut their stuff down the runway for the biggest designers, one thing we can’t say is that they were able to have success at the same time. Supermodel Naomi Campbell recently touched on the subject in an interview with Andy Cohen in which she said that it was insiders in the fashion industry that created the beef between her and Tyra Banks. Apparently the industry didn’t want both Tyra and Naomi to be in the same shows, and Naomi feels it’s because the industry only wants one “It” black model at a time.
Model Chanel Iman recently touched on the subject in her interview with Times of London. Chanel recalled the moment she was actually told by a designer that she was no longer needed for a fashion show because they already had one black girl. When asked if racism was still alive in the fashion industry, She says:
“Yeah, most definitely. A few times I got excused by designers who told me, ‘We already found one black girl. We don’t need you any more.’ I felt very discouraged. When someone tells you, ‘We don’t want you because we already have one of your kind,’ it’s really sad.”
When it comes to the solution to the racism issue in the fashion industry, Chanel Iman says the solution is not to devote one magazine or fashion show to diversity, but expand that into every magazine and fashion show:
“It doesn’t help us; it just puts us into a category” — but more diversity in every show and magazine. And less toleration of all-white or nearly all-white casting. “There needs to be a permanency [about] using black models. You still see all-white shows in Europe and New York.”
It’s pretty sad that the fashion industry is still plagued with racism. What are your thoughts? Leave them in the comment section below.
In related news, well gossip rather…it’s being said that the Chanel Iman is dating rapper ASAP Rocky. She posted photos of herself chillin on his tour bus and even getting cutesy to her Instagram account recently:
We think she’s sending a message to ASAP’s groupies in the last photo. You’re not slick Chanel, nor can we say we blame you one bit.
The fashion industry is a cold place for ALL women. But it’s a lot worst for black women. Sad. She’s a pretty girl tho.
She’s dating ASAP?!!!! Wow.
One black model at a time…that’s ridiculous.
I see a beard in those Instagram pics and can we be surprised with runway shows having a token black person?
Yeah, I heard things about ASAP.
Okay… ASAP looks kind of zesty.
Not happy that she’s dating my man…lol
Modeling is one of the most racist professions on the planet. I don’t know why women want to to it. It ain’t worth the emotional abuse to walk down a runway for cash.
I belive this is true, cuz we still are in a white industry,not only in fashion but other places…look at Hollywood only a few black actors and actress have prospere in films or tv…other then that, they always get stereotypes or playing the sidekick…..But we can not blame all this on white people, we don’t support each other why would white people do it…….
Thank you.
Chanel’s comments are why I despise modeling in general. It is so racist.
Agreed!!!