Ethnic Runway Models
Some have become black fashion designers and others have started their own television programs, many african american black high fashion models earn a high yearly salary which allows them to have a jet setter lifestyle to new york, london and milan, they set the trend for the latest looks and styles in high fashion.
Black Fashion Designers
Many have noticed that the reasoning behind it has more to do with makeup, hair, body type and clothing, than anything else.
The fashion industry are used to working with tall, thin, straight haired models who blend in multiple environments. So they would rather have a plainer look to start with that they can fix up into the creation they want.
My take on it is that when it comes to fashion designers they are creating art on a blank canvass. The fashion designers use a one size fit all type of design with the clothes they make, which does not allow for curves which many black women have plenty of.
Where are all the black fashion models?
Lately news media has been discussing the lack of African American and black fashion models in the fashion industry, with fewer and fewer making the headlines or becoming super models, of ethnic origin.
Italian vogue did a spread featuring black fashion models but it was mostly of the ones that have been in the business for the last 20 or more years, there has been a lack of new black fashion models to hit the catwalk.
Some blame the fashion designers stating that they do not want more than one or two, due to the clients they service.
Some do not use black models at all but prefer to use white models instead.
Supply and demand will dictate this, the fashion industry has a set look they are known for so in order for other categories such as plus size, short models and unique looking ethnic models to make an impact a new fashion industry would have to be created.
Where are the Black women fashion models ?
Looking on the high fashion runway you will see darker skinned models have been in and out of vogue throughout the years, many who follow the super models have heard of the ones who have made a name for themselves.
Famous Top African American Models
- naomi campbell
- tyra banks
- jourdan dunn
- selita ebanks
- chanel iman
- beverly johnson
- beverly peele
- veronica webb
- alek wek
Are just to name a few that have graced the cover of vogue magazine in paris and the states.
Some african american fashion models have traveled the world, walking down the catwalk wearing the latest styles from the most known fashion designers.
Top Fashion Designers
- vallentino
- versace
- betsey johnson
- ralph lauren
- marc jacobs
The success of these black fashion models has lead to careers in film and entertainment.
Will Makeup show up on darker skin? What about styling ethnic Hair?
Also I would say makeup is another issue, darker skins can only wear certain makeup as well as ethic hair textures can not stand the repeat damaging hairstyles either.
Some would argue different but I would say its more business than anything else, the fashion industry is a business and it would serve black models well to start their own fashion modeling agencies and fashion clothes line and run their own high fashion runway shows, if they want to make a greater impact.
Niche Opportunity for Black Fashion Designers and Black Fashion Models
I always say there is a silver lining in any situation that may appear to be not favorable at first, the lack of black fashion models leaves open a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs and forward thinkers who can start something that is a niche and something that is needed.
By starting and looking into being a trend setter you may be surprised at how well it will be received by the masses and not to mention how lucrative it can be.
Just look at the successful Ebony Fashion Fair that travels from city to city showcasing some of the best high fashion couture in the business.
If you are looking for the latest in black fashion than its time to take a look at Vogue they have two new websites that feature vogue black and vogue curvy.
The Huntington post Vogue Italia has recently launched a trio of new websites showcasing the topics-du-jour of the fashion industry.
Vogue Curvy provides a glimpse into normal and plus-size beauty, with features on Crystal Renn, Christina Hendricks and America Ferrera.
Italian Vogue and Black Fashion
Now you can read and keep up to date on the latest in fashion from beauty, trends and stars, from the look of the day to the spotlight feature you can read about celebrities and what they are doing as well as up and coming fashion designers.
Vogue Black Official site
Vogue Curvy Official site
Vogue Talents Official site
Vogue Curvy Official site
Vogue Talents Official site