Runway legends Bethann Hardison and Iman
Posted by | Ray Cornelius
While everyone was goin up over the fashions during last week’s New York Fashion Week, Bethann Hardison was goin off over the lack of Black models gracing the catwalks.
Apparently, the former runway diva turned activist called out a number of high profile fashion houses in a letter to four governing bodies of Fashion Weeks including The Council of Fashion Designers of America. In the open letter, Hardison blasted the designers for not using enough models of color in their shows:
“Eyes are on an industry that season after season watches fashion design houses consistently use of one or no models of color. No matter the intention, the result is racism,” read the letter. “Not accepting another based on the color of their skin is clearly beyond ‘aesthetic’ when it is consistently with the designer’s brand. Whether it’s the decision of the designer, stylist or casting director, that decision to use basically all white models, reveals a trait that is unbecoming to modern society. It can no longer be accepted, nor confused by the use of the Asian model.”
Hardison, who represents The Diversity Coalition, appeared on Good Morning America on Monday alongside veteran supermodels Iman and Naomi Campbell. All three ladies shared their opinions on the sensitive topic including a comment by Iman who said,“there were more black models working in the 70’s then there are in 2013.”
Hardison is also putting some more action behind her words by hosting a Twitter Chat with ESSENCE on Thursday, September 12 at 12:30 p.m. The conversation is open to everyone and will serve as just one of many platforms upon which the ladies can address this growing issue.
Do you agree with Hardison’s opinion about the lack of diverse models on the runway?
Photo Credit: topmodelsoftheworld.com