“Some Designers Still Don’t Feel Like Using Black Models” An article from jezebel.com

Some Designers Still Don’t Feel Like Using Black Models

New York Fashion Week may be over, but a few media outlets have kept an eye on how many black models walked in the shows, much like we did last season. Diane von Furstenberg, president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, sent a letter to designers, urging them to seek diversity when casting models. Reuters reports that though von Furstenberg used many black models on her runways — as did Tracy Reese and DKNY — there were still some labels for which only one — or no — black models were used.

According to StereoHyped, Behnaz Sarafpour used one black model; Rodarte used one; Jill Stuart used 4, up from zero last season. Calvin Klein used one. Monique Lhullier used none. Reuters reports that Vivienne Tam also used none.

After writing about this subject repeatedly, it’s still shocking to see a post by a commenter on StereoHyped which reads: “Please explain to me why this is such an important issue?” It’s incredible that people really don’t get it. Having only white models on New York Fashion Week runways sends a dangerous message: That there is only one high-fashion “look,” and it is to have pale skin. During Fashion Week, reporters come from around the globe, photographers take pictures that are seen in hundreds of countries. New York is a cosmopolitan city where it is unacceptable to tell a woman you’re not going to hire her because she is black. And yet, for the past few years, that’s exactly what has been happening in the fashion industry. In New York.

So, are things slowly getting better? “Visually on the runways, it has improved,” model mogul (and organizer of the “Absence Of Color” summits) Bethann Hardison tells Reuters. “But the results are still racist. [Designers] choose the same white and never go towards the brown or the dark.”

Article from jezebel.com

(http://jezebel.com/5049951/some-designers-still-dont-feel-like-using-black-models)

Check out the comments, interesting ..

Why is it hard for a black model?

I don’t get it. Why is it hard for a black model, or a model with another color than white.

The modelindustry should put more colour in their runways.  Let’s give everyone equal chances ?

I don’t care if a black or other model of colour doesn’t fit into the vision of the designer.

They should think differently from now on. We are living in the 21st century, or not?

This is my opinion. I don’t wanne hurt anyone by this. So if  I’m wrong just comment.

Ofcourse it s not easy for caucasian models also, but they do get more opportunities.

When I go to a casting, I already know what time it is, before I even enter.

where to begin..?

I’ve done a lot of castings and pageants, but i”ve never went on with them. Before my exams I was part of a model contest.  I made it to the finals. Then suddenly I get handed an ‘other’ contract saying that I should pay 250 euro(315.60 dollars) as a warrant for my participation in the contest. I also had to have sponsors who’d sponsor me for 500 euros ( 631.21 dollars). Other costs would be held from my warrant..

This was the third time I participated a contest where I had to pay a huge “warrant” like that. Ofcourse I didn’t do that. I immediately stepped out the contest. But a lot of other girls stayed and kind of lost their money for a few shoots and one fashion show. Tyra banks once said and a lot of other supermodels, ‘never pay a modelagency or a contest like that’ ..

My parents aren’t a huge fan of these contests, because they’ve heard a lot of stories about girls paying huge amounts and end up being betrayed.

My big sister used to be a model. I can always ask her advice. I love her so much. She supports me in everything I do. My other sisters too they go to every casting with me.

My big sister adviced me to finish my portfolio and go to modelagencies. A scout from dominique models once approached me, and gave me a card saying that I should send some pictures. That was last year. But I was so scared. I guess I didn’t want to be turned down or something. But I know that in the modelindustry you get turned down often. It’s part of the industry.

Now I just wanne have an amazing portfolio and then go to each modelagency. Then I get to hear what my strong and my weak points are. No more people who lie and say nice stuff just to get me to pay for their contest.

Time for the real stufff.

Chery Kiss xx

Time for a blog..

Hi there, I had written a big text, but it kinda dissapeared.. So I’m starting all over again.

I felt like it was time for a blog. I wanne share my emotions, joy & frustations with the world. (Probably a small part I guess )

I’m a model trying to make it in this crazy little world. Not that easy though haha. I wanne reach the top. Like a lot of girls probably. I’m a positive thinker. I believe that if you wanne achieve something, then it’s  possible. Just believe in it. Not just believe but like truly truly believe in it. ( Really don’t wanne sound cliché ..)

People describe me as a friendly (sometimes to friendly I hear), shy girl. Partly correct.  It’s true that many many years ago, I was a very shy girl. The shy part is still there, but for example when I’m on the runway, the shy part dissapears. (It’s not like I’ve walked so many runways but still ) When they ask me to walk on a casting in front of everybody, I adore ittt. Sadly enough They don’t do a lot of casting here. I live in Belgium. In a very small town (no shops, no mcdonalds, no fun, ..)

I hope to have a few readers , share your thoughts & experiences..

Cherry Kiss xx