She's Got The Look

Fashion history can be categorised by the iconic shots, or in this case, body parts of models and designers. The defining characteristic, that signature look which draws people into the shots, the campaigns, the runways, those are the marks of a truly amazing model and muse. 

But let's not forget that the industry is an evolving set of ideals and the criteria for success changes every season. 

If you ask me, this could all be a big step in the right direction for us..

Daphne Groeneveld: The Doll-Faced Make-Up Muse

With the perfect face for beauty shots, Daphne has cemented herself as not only a runway model of note, but also a most wanted canvas for beauty shots.

Critics say: Anyone can look good with enough make-up on

I say: Make-up enhances, but with a bone structure and pout that strong, Daphne looks good with, or without. 

Linsey Wixson: Pouting All The Way To The Bank

Lindsey's signature pout and doe eyes have made her the face of numerous campaigns and increases her runway demand to break the mould that cute can't be fierce.

Critics say: Gaps aren't cute and neither are too-far-gone pouts.

I say: Bridget Bardot, enough said. 

Joan Smalls: Neo-Fierce Femme Fatale

Critics say: She's a new-age Naomi Campbell

I say: Joan represents a new movement of models of colour who are breaking the perception that colour should translate as 'exotic' by being a regular runway and campaign model.

Anja Rubik: Shooting From The Hip

Anja has won numerous online awards for her hip bone, most of them good. If you've got it..

Critics say: She glamourises eating disorders

I say: Those hips are an acquired taste, but nonetheless, captivating. 

Only Space For One

Joan Smalls mentioned in a recent interview with Bazaar that she was discouraged by the notion in the fashion industry that there was "only space for one [girl of colour]". It got me thinking about the state of the industry, the state of society, but also, the seemingly unchanging mindset that women of colour are 'exotic' and can only be taken in small doses. 

It's always a big deal when a girl of colour is First Face for a runway show, or lands a major campaign, but is there enough  women of colour in the industry at all? 

It's like every season, there are at most, 3 women of colour who are 'allowed' to dominate the area of choice, when in actual fact, the entire industry is dominated by Eastern European waif-like models. 

I'm not here to start a revolution, but really, think about the theory. Is there an unspoken quota system for the fashion industry, that at any given time, two girls of colour are allowed to shine? 

There's always a contrast between the girls of the moment though, a best-of-both-worlds of ethnicity, a complimentary set of qualities to define the women chosen. Almost every time however, the women who face off, are set apart by complexion. It's a sad symptom of society, but it should serve as a symbol of equality, to show that complexion does not define beauty and that women of all races should be comfortable in their skin. But does the industry's  'regulation' of black models justify the lack of colour?

Pair #1: Tyra and Naomi

Contrast signature: Caramel vs Chocolate

 

Pair #2: Iman and Alek

Contrast signature: Contemporary vs Tribal (still light vs dark though)

Pair #3: Chanel and Joan

Light South American vs (comparatively) Darker South American

When will an actual balance of race be reached in the fashion industry and furthermore, when will the consumers start demanding it?