Where's the Color and Curves? New Diversity Report Shows Models Being Shown in One Likeness

Models used in design advertisements seem to follow one fashion–skinny, tall, blonde, and by no surprise–white.

It’s been a testament throughout time even with gorgeously different model faces and bodies like Naomi Cambell, Tyra Banks, Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman, Winnie Harlow, Aamito Lagum and Diandra Forrest. 

When Beyoncé called on Jillian Mercado, a wheel-chair bound model as the face of her clothing campaign, we all rejoiced. It was one of few times a model, who indeed was most deserving of being called upon, had a disability and still rocked the runway. 

Older Models Are The Newest Beauty Trend

But according to a new report, the racial disparities of seeing women of color on the catwalk will sadly continue. *sigh*

Of new spring 2016 ads, 78.2 percent of the models were white and that is a slight, and we mean slight drop–in 2015, 84.7% of models seen in campaigns were white.

There Were More Black Models On The Runway, But Still Not Enough

According to The Fashion Spot, 12 out of 14 models in print ads for Spring 2016 were white and just like with diversity in skin tone there was also an absence of diversity in body types. 

Six plus-sized models were cast in 422 model appearances, that’s just 1.4 percent! See the problem?

Absent from spring ads overall were transgender models who haven’t been spotted strutting and serving since 2015. 

Here’s to hoping that designers and agencies will look to use more than just a sprinkle of color, a drop of curves and include people who live their truth in a different way in print and in shows come time for the next runway season. 

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