"All of the models in the show were white, with hair at a uniform length. You can’t tell women to be individuals in their style and then not show a range of individual faces, hairstyles and ethnic backgrounds."
It seems out of touch."
--Cathy Horyn of The New York Times on the Calvin Klein Spring/Summer 08 collection
The issue of race, or the lack thereof, is becoming increasingly topical in an industry built on standards of beauty and money, two things that are generally equated with whiteness. Mass media's reach and its consumption have long overlooked the power and inclusion of black culture, but it's interesting to think that perhaps models are not only hangers for expensive clothes but possibly symbols of who's buying in the business. With the onslaught of more Asian models there is no shortage of Asian-American designers or the Asian market for high end clothes and the big wave of Eastern European and Russian girls have come to represent their new money establishment of women flaunting their $10,000 Hermes bags. Is there room for black women in that equation? Check out Guy Trebay's article from The Times for some possible answers. The Guardian examines the issue as well.
Monday, October 15, 2007
black out
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Of course, there's room. Black people may not be showing up in droves to pick of Yves Saint Laurent, but black, white, Puerto Rican or Asian should be representative in an industry that thrives off of culture and artistic ideas. That's what the blacks are all about. Hell, we got white people buying the hell out of some rap music. Does that mean all the rappers need to look like Eminem just because that's who's purchasing it? Color Me NOT!
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