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In search of representation: Black models on the runway

Posted by Chandalalaland.com

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I’ll admit that whilst I thoroughly enjoy ogling at couture collections I’m really also looking for something or rather someone. My representative. The Black Model.

Black models continue to be so few and far between that I’ve memorized a select few that’s it’s almost unfair because there are so many of them whose names should be recognized, but because the work is so few, they’re not.  And here’s why: Michelene Auguste was quoted saying when she attended a casting, she was told that agents were not using models of her type.  To receive such a response in this day and age is appauling to say the least.

I will say though, that unlike their American counterpart, the European Vogue shows our girls some love and the editorial spreads are just breathtaking. So, on whose runways can you find them?  Mara Hoffman, Viviene Westwood, Zac Posen, Gaultier, Catherine Malandrino, Versace, DVF, McQueen, and Lanvin to name but a few.  So aside from the usual suspects beauties-Alek, Liya, Chanel and Naomi, I’d like to introduce or re-introduce a few to you that you should be on the look out for.

I’ll be doing a weekly profile of these ladies so look out for that! Special shout out to Essence Magazine for putting together such a comprehensive directory and inspiring this post.  Let’s support our girls.

 

Ajuma Nasenyana-Kenyan

ajuma

 

Ataui Deng-Sudanese

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Ajak Deng-Sudanese

ajakdeng

Anais Mali-French

anaismail

Arlenis Sosa-Dominican

arlenis

Leona Binx Walton-American

binxwalton

Cindy Bruna-Congolese-Italian

cindybruna

Devanie Gobir-Nigerian American

gobir

Fatima Siad-Somalian

fatimasiad

Grace Bol-Sudanese

bol

Grace Mahary-Eritrean

gracem

Herieth Paul-Tanzanian

heriethpaul

Kai Newman-Jamaican

kai

Kyra Green-American

kylagreen

Imaan Hamman-Dutch

imaan

Jasmine Tooks-American

jasmine

Jeneil Williams-Jamaican

jeneil

Malaika Firth-British

malaikafirth

Maria Borges-Angolan

mariaborges

Marihenny Rivera Pasible-Dominican

marihenny

Melodie Monrose-Martinican

melodie

Michelene Auguste-Trinidad & Tobago

michelene

 

Nykhor Paul-Sudanese

nykhor

Roberta Narciso-Angolan

roberta

Senait Gidey-Canadian

senait

Sessilee Lopez

sessilee

 

Sharam Diniz-Angolan

sharamdiniz

2 Comments

  • Thanks for shifting the focus and placing the limelight on these lovely ladies that have been underrepresented just because of their “kind” (or so you’ve mentioned above).

    Can we get some Transformation going on in the fashion modelling industry?!

    • Thanks Gingerbread girl!

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