Modelling agencies accused of racism

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Naomi Campbell in Dior Couture

AN EMERGENCY SUMMIT to tackle the issue of racism in the fashion industry will take place in London next year. Race campaigners, designers, model agencies and politicians will be invited to the event, organised by Liberal Democrat spokesperson Dee Doocey who has spoken out about the issue.

Ms. Doocey, the former managing director of an international fashion house, commented, ' I don't know if it's racism, or just the fashion industry languishing in the doldrums, but it needs to change. Agencies only seem interested in leggy blonde girls.'

A contest to find the next supermodel of colour will take place in November this year, and aims to highlight the issue of racism in the industry. Sola Oyebabe, whose agency is behind the campaign added, 'Non-white people make up about 30% of the population but we don't even make up 1% of models.'

In August this year, Naomi Campbell announced that she was to open a modelling agency in Kenya, in an attempt to get more black faces on the catwalk. At the time she stated, 'Black models are being sidelined by the major modelling agencies.'

More Naomi Campbell

Wednesday 10 October 2007

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As a mixed-race female Londoner I have been pretty unimpressed with London fashion week and with most fashion magazines including Marie Claire. It bothers me that there are hardly ever any black/Asian or even Mediterreanean looking models featured. If the fashion industry would look outside the box, they would see there is beauty in all shades. Also I hate it when a magazine puts in one token freakish looking black model to stand next to beautiful white models. Alek Wek is not representative of the western black woman, I'm sure you can find pretty black mainstream looking models other than Naomi Campbell.

Non-northern european women also like to feel pretty, wear make-up and designer clothes. However, in an age where there is increasing race-mixing and globalisation, if the fashion industry won't let go of the stereotype that only fair white women are beautiful then they will potentially lose out as women who don't fit that demographic will ignore the mags and designers who obviously don't want them to particpate in fashion.

nat, london
Comment by nat lowe on February 28 15:40

Why can't the fashion industry give women of colour a chance? All they need to is take this stupid idea of 'black people don't sell' from their mind.
Comment by Grace on June 12 20:44

I am a model and I can't go to many markets like Paris, Tokyo, Barcelona etc, because they say to my agent I am "too Latin". I am 1.75, 84-60-90. I think it is ridiculous! It is also racism. You must notice that 95% of the modeling industry is made by white-light-eyed girls. It is not only about black/white. What about latin, Asian, Chinese, white/brown-eyed girls?
Comment by Sabrina on July 11 18:17

There's beauty in every race, So why cant the model agencies and designer's see this.

Its just institutional racism. And it needs to change. The world is colourful not just white.
Comment by smantha on November 14 07:50

It's just as bad in men's fashion as well, but I believe women's fashion is just always more attention worthy due to the fact it's more followed.

I think that people, yes open minded caucasian people included, should invoke their power as a consumer and not buy from any designer or label that chooses not to use ethnic models.

Agencies should also start looking for more ethnic faces, and not only colored people with anglicized features.
Comment by Xe on April 05 05:42

as a woman who follows fashion closely I have noticed to my disturbance that probably over 90% of models shown on the runway are white and not only are they white they are usually light eyed and blonde. I believe that top designers and an overwhelming majority in the fashion industry try to kid themselves into believing that european women are the ideal to make themselves feel a sense of power and superiority. Well i hate to say this but there are just as many gorgeous girls of all races
Comment by Kate on September 14 13:22

I've been trying to get into the modelling since I was 16! At first thought it was my look so I changed my look..

I sent off my pictures and I was turned away by Next Models 20mins after I sent my application. I was also turned away from Select, Nevs and Elite Models.

I haven't had single response from M&P Models, Union Models, Models 1, Impact Models Or Tess Management.

I even applied to be a fitting model and I've had no response from them, I applied to take part in Wimbledon Fashion Week and got no response from themyet they tell us to apply to other agencies because they think I "have potential" but it's just a way of saying go away!

I have always wanted to be a model and I'm not getting any younger so how can I be expected to break into the modelling industry when no-one will give me a chance? After reading this article, I know why. Maybe it is cause I'm black! Let's see if I get a response from the other agencies.
Comment by Jennifer Ingole on January 20 09:37

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