The lack of diversity in the fashion industry cannot be overstated. Recent statistics show the alarmingly low amount of black models that walk during fashion week and this has real life effects for models of color who are then forced to bring their own makeup to shows. The industry has also been called out by Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing and Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci. Now, an Instagram account is taking a different approach to solving the diversity problem by spotlighting the models of color that should be getting more attention, Dazed points out.
The account, @moremodelsofcolor, hopes to give a diverse cast of models the recognition they deserve but aren't receiving from the fashion industry. "The idea that European features are the epitome of beauty needs to be abolished," the account's founders tell Dazed. "All girls, regardless of their ethnic background, have the right to see themselves portrayed in the fashion industry."
Scrolling through the account's timeline, it's clear to see that there is no lack of racially diverse models who could be appearing in fashion shows and campaigns. The account not only gives shine to underrepresented models it is also very active in tagging each photo and helping people get in contact with the models they post about. The people behind the account especially love rising stars Amelia Rami, Nora Attal, Pooja Mor, Amilna Estevão, Alice Metza, Achok Majak, and Yuan Bo Chao, according to Dazed.
