Is the lack of diversity at fashion’s front end linked to its lack of diversity in the boardroom?

/ Black But Invisible /

I may have reserved my comments as far as what became hot topics from H&M's tweet in response to Tlalane Letlhaku suggestions to the brand as they opened in Cape Town last week. But I have not let my guards down on the current state of our fashion industry and it's choiced reflection of what beauty is, or what appeals and sells to the masses. If I am to encourage colleagues to start thinking about the larger picture and ask relevant questions, then I face the responsibility of sharing it best I can. Fashion has indeed been resilient when it comes to offering a diverse cast of models to the world, going as far as seriously pushing the contradiction of 'selling to the masses' when the masses are in truth people of colour. Why do our runways lack diversity? Who calls the shots? And why do our designers seemingly nod to the offer without seriously challenging things?  I will say that I am surprised that with the rise and dominance of Millennials in fashion, marketing & brand communication, advertising and in our society as a whole, we are still not seeing the changes that need to take place more prominently. It may even be that the lack of diversity on the covers is another reflection of the inner corporate structures that exist and dominate the many fashion Houses.

However it may be, In my opinion (along with others) I have always found the darker pigment to compliment garments along with literally any hue. It commands attention to the designers piece and allows the colours to speak in volumes as oppose to a garment on a pale pigmentation. And with such an opinion the other has the right to totally believe otherwise and for all I know he/she may just be looking for that very pale backdrop to decrease the vibrancy in colour. But where do we then draw the line in our differences regarding beliefs? Are we then subjected to nod to magazine covers and ramps that offer a large percentage of the white girl or guy? This blog update isn't really a debate but just a thought process spoken out loud. Having come across many articles on B.O.F relating to the lack of diversity on the runways I was actually more intrigued by the comments that followed the Why isn't the fashion industry more diverse? article more so than the article itself to say the least. It managed to really get people sharing their perspectives. A comment by Evita Loca (below) begged a different point of view, could this be  ''saving the best for last" ?  or are we looking at another creative way of avoiding colour? 

Feel free to think about it and share your views on your social platforms. The more we keep it in conversation the more we advocate change.         

• 
  
• 

  
  

  evita loca • 10 days ago

  
  

  At first It may come off as a bit of an outrage to some but depending on how you look at it, it could be a good thing. while hidden in a sea of white models who look almost identical, the black model emerges from the crowd. skin complimenting the designers pieces flawlessly making bright colors appear more vibrant and giving neutrals a bolder presence. When that single black model hits the runway no one dare makes a move. they all just allow her to move freely down the runway because they know this outcast is the precious diamond of the show.... what if the limited use of black models is to not downgrade them but just simply an act of ''saving the best for last'' or preserving their exquisiteness without threat of overuse.