The Huffington Post and UK’s Daily Mail published articles on the lack of diversity in the fashion industry recently. No real surprises in either (the HuffPo one was actually a reaction to the Daily Mail) – just the same old facts about how many non-white models (if used on the runways or catalog shoots at all) are “made to look white” or “white-like.” You know, lighter skin (if from a culture that is generally darker), straighter hair (if from a culture where naturally straight hair is not common), rounder eyes (notice I don’t say double eye-lids) and so on. They even to that with celebrities. Beyoncé had been “lightened” more than once in ads and other printed images she’s appeared in. The fashion industry argues that it’s about the target consumer (or give the excuse of not knowing how to use proper lighting on someone darker (then learn)), who is either from a similar ethnic group as the models or don’t really care (some, like me, feel that shape is more important. Makes no sense to see a 5’11” Asian model on the runway when you’re 5’2″). However, the industry is also forgetting that the “target consumer” is probably, on average, at least twice the runway models’ ages, generally several inches shorter and several sizes larger. Yet, people seem to clamour more about the lack of ethnicity than body type (and still read magazines).
Beyoncé is often “lightened” in ad campaigns and magazine covers
Of course, the fashion and style industries don’t just fall into the hands of the “professionals” (runway, magazines, etc…), but also regular Janes (and a few Joes). Personal fashion and style blogs are much more reflective of the every day person and are much more diverse. There’s a style blog out there for everyone, regardless of size, age or ethnic group. As a petite Asian female, I’ve found several petite-focused blogs run by women who are not only shorter than average, but also small-framed (some are smaller than me!). The standard (at least in the petite community) is to include the blogger’s height and measurements in the site information/blogger bio so readers can get a rough idea of how things would fit on them. Size of clothing and shoes are usually noted as well. Since no stylist is involved (unlike editorial shoots featuring petite celebrities), the photos, even those that look very editorial-like (and may be minimally “fixed”), have a much more realistic quality to it – make-up isn’t usually outrageous and the clothes are usually things that are available in stores at the time the pictures were taken.
Blogs like Alterations Needed and Extra Petite, both created by petite women, show a side to style/fashion that mainstream publications rarely write about
I really think those who’re complaining should take a look at style blogs, especially those run by people who are not what the industry considers the “ideal look” (i.e. most people). It’s a good alternative to what we consider mainstream and the sites tend to offer tips that are much more realistic than what one sees in magazines. In addition, they may have posts that one will never find in mainstream publications.
Beyoncé Image Courtesy of: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
