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THE DIVERSITY ISSUE
ISSUE ONE
MODEL - ELISABETH ROTHWELL
EQUALITY COEXISTS WITH INDIVIDUALITY
“MY EYE COLOUR DOES NOT DEFINE ME, NEITHER DOES MY HAIR COLOUR. WHY SHOULD THE TONE OF MY SKIN MATTER?”
O
ur skin is the base, our blank canvas to create our fashion on. So how has such a basic, fundamental part of the human body, become a catalyst for negativity? Will the fashion industry ever be able to step outside the ideals of the 5ft9, size zero, Caucasian female representing the UK body type? Body shaming has become a hot topic in recent years, with many agreeing that the ‘ideal’ is fast becoming a dangerous inspiration, especially for young girls; however I think this concept affects many more than just the teenage population. Are the older generation of beautiful women, ageing gracefully, really being heard? American Apparel has launched a new concept which sees the company using ‘real models’, a stunning 62 year old model represents the brand Jacky O’Shaughnessy. O’Shaughnessy’s image was accompanied by the tag line “sexy has no expiration date.” The global brand has also included several models which they categorise as ‘real women’. Although American Apparel has had its fair share of bad press, the idea of using diverse models, including middle aged Hispanic men, real farmers and older women is a step in the right direction.
As a whole, are enough women, 60 and above being represented within the fashion industry? The women whose skin may not be flawless, but whose wrinkles and laugh lines tell a story about the bell-bottom jeans, and backless halter necks they wore in the 60’s. The iconic Audrey Hepburn said “And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!”. Along with the likes of Dame Helen Mirren and the stunning Judy Dench, women of the older generation should be celebrated for their contribution to the industry, rather than put down for their latest wrinkle! When looking into self esteem and body confidence: a staggering 96% of people agreed that the fashion world negatively affects the way they see themselves, and the way they feel within their own skin. With ages ranging from 15-54, and a variety of occupations, ethnicities and sexes, almost every single person felt the industry makes them feel bleak about their own bodies. Every single candidate that took part in the survey said ‘they would like to see an increase in multicultural and ethnic models represented’.
Racism within the fashion industry is another topic which has been brought to light in recent years, with advocates including Naomi Campbell campaigning to see an increase in ‘models of colour’ on our runways, to represent the society we live in. Iman Abdulmajid, a hugely successful black model said:
“The diversity that we live in, the world that we live in, is not what is shown on the runway. That to me is the concern. It’s a bigger issue at large than just about runway and models.” In 2013, white models made up 82.7% of models on the runway, even more shocking is that’s actually an increase from the previous year, and 13 of the major runway clothing brands, Including Calvin Klein and J Brand used all white models throughout their shows. Is enough being done, and should the global companies, failing to recognise the blatant disregard for both men and women of colour be targeted?
Some of the most famous and influential models, photographers, designers and celebrities make up one of the most magnificent and powerful business on the planet: the fashion world. Can their dominance and influence be used to create a revolution of both men and women, of all ages and races, that start to look, think and feel good about themselves? A lot more can be done to combat the negative stigma attached to body image, age and race within the fashion world; and it is a responsibility that lies with all of us.
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THE DIVERSITY ISSUE
“DIVERSITY DOESN’T MEAN BLACK AND WHITE ONLY”
“THERE IS BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING, JUST NOT EVERYBODY SEES IT.’