Non-Archetypes

Within the fashion industry, ethnically ambiguous individuals face a climate fraught with racial archetypes. Designers trace trends to certain cultures; meanwhile, consumers feel pressure to assume racially charged identities or align to specific niches, even though this undermines the ideal of individual self-expression. Morgan Dunstan, Sophie Attie and Atma Berry reflect on their non-archetypal ethnic identities.

I find myself often grappling with the performative element of cultural identity and what it means to be demonstrably enough of something. — Morgan Dunstan

I can understand [my cultures] on a surface level but it’s difficult when it is only a part of you. — Atma Bery

Everyone always assumes I’m just American. — Sophie Attie

Direction EMMA TANG

Photography NIA LI

Models MORGAN DUNSTAN SOPHIE ATTIE ATMA BERY

Writing SIMONE HANNA

Editing MIKKI JANOWER