konbin
We live in a time where the inclusion of black people and other people of colour is seen as progress and not just a given. With every achievement, we are stuck between celebrating the progression and also condemning the system for how much there is still left to do.
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The Fashion Spot's seasonal runway diversity report buttresses this, as it shows that even though there is a lot of progress when it comes to casting models for runways and presentations, there are a lot of holes that still need to be filled.
The Comme des Garçons A/W 18 runway featured black models for the first time in 20 years, which goes to show what we're really dealing with here. It wasn't that long ago when certain designers wouldn't cast one single model of colour, however, given the continuous push for racial inclusivity, the A/W 18 season is now the most diverse in runway history.
The Fashion Spot noted that 32.5% of castings went to models of colour, which makes for a 2.3% increase from the last season. 32% might not seem like a lot, but it is a lot more than the 0% that was previously the norm.
[post_ads]Beyond this, there were several African models killing it on the runway, such as Anok Yai a Sudanese model who became the first black woman to open a Prada show since Naomi Campbell in 1997. Kenyan model Shanelle Nyasiase who walked 43 shows this season, was named number one top model this season and is currently the face of Alexander McQueen's latest campaign. African designers such as Head Of State and Slashed by Tia also showcased, and made a point to have black models walking their shows, pushing the for us by us movement!
Aside from Mayowa Nicholas and Adwoa Aboah who are runway frequents at this point, there were way more African models on the runway this season such as Tash Ncube, Ruth Akele, Rachide Embalo, Eniola Abioro, Blésnya Minher, Olivia Anakwe and more.
We're really glad to be tracking the growth of diversity in the global fashion industry and are certainly looking forward to more! Next season, we hope for more than a 2.3% increase!
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Beauty & Style