This Model Just Tweeted Up A Truth Storm About Diversity At Fashion Week
19 February 2016, 14:40 | Updated: 8 May 2017, 17:09
Or LACK of diversity, tbh?
The certain designers and runway shows might be tackling the Fashion industry's diversity problem head on, but behind the scenes its a completely different story.
British model Leomie Anderson took to Twitter yesterday to highlight a massive problem with the modelling industry that continues to be overlooked. She is currently in New York walking in numerous shows but held nothing back with her glaring criticism of the poorly prepared make up artists that the models of colour have to experience at major fashion shows.
@DPatronne here are her foundations - yet she confidentially put her hand up to take me in her chair pic.twitter.com/S8ivmvusSN
— Leomie Anderson (@LeLeValentine) February 17, 2016
of course I get given to the makeup artist who had ONE brown foundation she was trying to mix with white on a sly because she's not equipped
— Leomie Anderson (@LeLeValentine) February 17, 2016
Had to ask her straight "do you have foundation for my skin tone orrrr?" My girl started sweating and said "I like to mix brands"
— Leomie Anderson (@LeLeValentine) February 17, 2016
Why is it that the black makeup artists are busy with blonde white girls and slaying their makeup and I have to supply my own foundation
— Leomie Anderson (@LeLeValentine) February 17, 2016
Why is there more white makeup artists backstage than black when when black ones can do ALL races makeup?
— Leomie Anderson (@LeLeValentine) February 17, 2016
Why is there only ever one black hairdresser backstage yet they need four hairdressers to inspect my weave?
— Leomie Anderson (@LeLeValentine) February 17, 2016
WE NEED MORE MAKEUP ARTISTS AND HAIR WHO ARE COMPETENT WITH ALL RACES BACKSTAGE AT SHOWS.
— Leomie Anderson (@LeLeValentine) February 17, 2016
There's been a well documented lack of diversity amongst the variety of shades found amongst accessible make up brands and the fashion industry issue has been brought up in the past by models of colour including Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman and Nykor Paul but lesser known models are yet to see the changes.
Getty Images
Following the tweets and initial reports in the media, Leomie took to Instagram to thank people for the support and explained that "It's not fair that there isn't as many hairdressers or makeup artists that are confident doing all races to a professional standard. We shouldn't have to feel worried sitting in the chair or a professional that we may not look our best when doing our jobs unlike or white counterparts."
You can read more of her insight and commentary on the problems models of colour are facing in the industry on her brilliant blog, Cracked China Cup.
