Lately, discussions about ‘first lady fashion’ has been floating about the media and trickling down into everyday conversation: Michelle vs. Cindy. But, surprisingly enough, it is Mr. Obama’s name that popped up in conversation between Franca Sozzani, editor at Italian Vogue, and Steven Meisel, fashion photographer extraordinaire.Like most people, Ms. Sozzani, is intrigued by this years presidential election. She found Mr. Obama to be the source of inspiration when she and Mr. Meisel began discussing an all black issue of (Italian) Vogue in back in February. This July, brace yourselves. An all black issue of Italian Vogue will be hitting the shelves in Europe next Thursday, and in America shortly after.
Kyle Hagler, an agent at IMG, asserts: “You want to sell the model on the basis of her beauty, not her race.” He further explains that he uses his “beauty perspective” when sending a model to a casting call. The decision to omit any indication of race to a prospective client always prompts a follow up call saying, “You didn’t tell me she was black.” It is no secret that the fashion world is plagued with racism and apparently (some) people have had enough. Nonetheless, fashion industry remains one of the few facets of society that can still practice outright bigotry without any consequences….up until now.
Bethann Hardison, a 60s model turned agent and advocate of diversity on the runway, called for a meeting in Bryant Park to discuss exclusionary tactics and tokenism. Ms Hardison aims to help enlighten people in the industry. “They need to see what they’re missing out there,” she said.
We have yet to see the end results...
Naomi Cambell“Franca doesn’t realize what she’s done for people of color.” -Ms. Naomi Campbell
Sessilee Lopez
Liya Kebede"Liya is elegant. To me, she walks like a princess. Now the girls all look the same—from the first to the last."-Franca Sozzani
Tyra Banks"I have asked my advertising clients so many times, ‘Can we use a black girl?’ They say no."-Steven Meisel
