Breaking Barriers: Unstoppable African Models
Article Highlights
Meet the trailblazing African models shattering stereotypes in the fashion world. This group of revolutionary women — including Maria Borges, Jourdana Phillips, and others — are making their mark by embracing their natural hair and diversity. They're not afraid to challenge existing beauty standards and fight for representation, proving that everyone deserves a place on the runway.
Breaking Boundaries with Black Beauty
In the fashion industry, Maria Borges became a game-changer in 2015 when she strutted her stuff on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway with her short Afro. Now, she's the newest face of L'Oréal Paris and is using her platform to promote diversity and encourage women to embrace their natural beauty.
"I think beauty comes in all forms," Borges told CNN. "This message is empowering and shows that a self-made girl can become a global symbol for beauty."
Joining Borges on the mission for inclusion are models like Jourdana Phillips, who are breaking free from long, wavy hair stereotypes. With a growing number of designers and brands embracing diversity, the fashion world is slowly but surely becoming a more welcoming space for people of all backgrounds.
Revolutionizing the Runway
In a 2017 Spring/Summer season survey, the diversity-focused platform Fashion Spot found that more than 25% of models worked for shows that season were not white, which was the highest ever recorded. New York led the way in racial diversity, with 30.3% (compared to London, which had just 20.9%).
染色造ｎ美西オリエールパリスのShowでは2015年に、短いアフロを着ってきたブノージェスが強迫的な={{< wbr >}}リモード中美化の観点をよく見える化、ただし{{< wbr >}}2023年に再び登場した時は最初だったと言っている。これ以前は、20年前にこの歴史に記録されたシリーズ中の唯一の黒人女性であったことに注目し、“混合性の力”と呼ばれることで、世界に瞰れられる大会場上でなчинаる期待を持たれている。『カニエ・ウェストのYeezy Staffelの4番目』はもう一つ、ここには97%の黒人モデルがxpとなっている。
racing against beauty norms
For years, the fashion industry has faced criticisms about the lack of diversity and representation. Models like Nykhor Paul are taking matters into their own hands by breaking down barriers and championing for better opportunities for people of color.
Empowering Underrepresented Talent
Organizations like are dedicated to supporting underrepresented designers and entrepreneurs, particularly black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). The non-profit provides pro-bono advisory services and network access to underrepresented talents, such as fashion designer Rachel Scott, the 2024 CFDA Fashion Award winner .
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Sexism, racism, and sizeism are still prevalent issues in the fashion industry, but young people are helping to drive progress by emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity. Fashion programs are equipping students with knowledge about due diligence, sustainable sourcing, and supply chain transparency, which will encourage a more unified industry .
body Positivity and Inclusive Marketing
By 2025, fashion brands are expected to fully embrace diversity and inclusion. This includes showcasing a range of body types in advertising and designing products that cater to everyone's needs. Companies like Fenty Beauty have paved the way for an inclusive marketing strategy, redefining what beauty means for generations to come .
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Gen-Z consumers are more likely to support and shop from brands that represent their identity — 41% of Gen-Z argue for better representation in the fashion industry . The industry is responding to this demand by honing in on body positivity and diversity in their marketing strategies.
The Future of Fashion
The recent Mintel survey revealed that 41% of Gen-Z consumers prioritize shopping from brands that reflect their identity, pointing to the growing need for representation in the fashion industry . Organizations like and sustainable fashion initiatives are pushing for a more inclusive and diverse industry, where misunderstandings, stereotypes, and biases fade away.
References:
- (2017) 'Meet the African models breaking barriers' — Edition.cnn.com.
- (2017) 'The world's highest-paid models 2016' — Forbes.com.
- (2017) 'The future of fashion: Gen Z is demanding it be both sustainable and inclusive' — Mintel.com.
- (2017) 'Fenty Beauty: Rihanna's make-up line made with everyone in mind' — BBC.com.
