In the world of fashion and beauty, there have been many advances, many changes which saw the industry which is largely European and mostly white, take some form of shape other than that which people had become used to. The faces on the covers of some of the worlds most renowned fashion magazines are starting to reflect the many different shades which exist in everyday life. As much controversy that surrounds Naomi Campbell's personal life, one should acknowledge that her signature look has been that which has changed the fashion industry and more importantly, people's minds. Tyra Banks has also been a pioneer in giving women of colour an opportunity to enter the fashion industry as models without the prejudice often associated with them with her show,
America's Next Top Model.
However, I do believe that there is still a long way to go before we can say that fashion has truly accepted black women as beautiful without making an effort which appears patronising and humiliating. Although completely unrelated, articles such as the one which appeared in
Psychology Today which asks and then un-asks
Why are black women less physically attractive than other women show a general attitude by the media that black women are
still not considered beautiful, despite many consciousness movements which have taken place in various parts of the world. And to be honest, it is not only people from other races which make these discretions in dictating to the world as to what makes us "beautiful". Black people play an equal, if not more diminishing role in accepting the status quo that lighter skinned women are seen as more beautiful than darker women. It took me a long time to get myself to type out those last few words, and as I did I cringed at the thought that people believe in this.
This idea is as political as it is social because our ideas and those which we are given by the media will influence the way in which we think and our actions. Nelson Mandela who fought against race discrimination his whole life said in his speech "the truth is we are not yet free, we have simply achieved the freedom to be free".
American Vogue and Vogue Italia have come up with seemingly brilliant ideas to curb these ideas, their efforts do deserve credit but the approach was all wrong.
The black allure was the name of the Italian Vogue issue which showed many of the successful black models within the industry. The American version was called "
Black Spring" (cringe again)! The name
black allure, however suggests something which isn't necessarily pleasant, it shows the views that black people and some minority groups are still viewed in an "us and them" manner, seen as "exotic creatures from the jungle" and reinforces these ancient ideas of black people. Although the issues are dedicated to black women, majority of the adverts and promotions remain unchanged which undermines the idea of the magazine. However, on a more positive note, I do believe that no matter how slow, change is occurring and one should acknowledge an effort for change, no matter how futile.
