African Black High Fashion Models Photos

Black women fashion models on the high fashion runway has been in and out of vogue through out the years, many who follow the super models have heard of the ones who have made a name for themselves such as naomi campbell, tyra banks, jourdan dunn, selita ebanks, chanel iman, beverly johnson, beverly peele, veronica webb, alek wek, just to name a few that have graced the cover of vogue magazine in paris and the states. Some african american fashion models have traveled the world, walking down the catwalk wearing the latest styles from the most known fashion designers such as vallentino, versace, betsey johnson, ralph lauren, marc jacobs and the like, the success of these black fashion models has lead to careers in film and entertainment. Some have become black fashion designers and others have started their own television programs, many african american black high fashion models earn a high yearly salary which allows them to have a jet setter lifestyle to new york, london and milan, they set the trend for the latest looks and styles in high fashion. Most ethnic models are placed under the category of exotic, so if there is not a huge demand for this look, this would be another reason for the lack of black fashion models.

Where are all the black fashion models?

Lately news media has been discussing the lack of african american and black fashion models in the fashion industry, with fewer and fewer making the headlines or becoming super models, of ethnic orgin, italian vogue did a spread featuring black fashion models but it was mostly of the ones that have been in the business for the last 20 or more years, there has been a lack of new black fashion models to hit the catwalk. Some blame the fashion designers stating that they do not want more than one or two, due to the clients they service. Some do not use black models at all but prefer to use white models instead. Supply and demand will dictate this, the fashion industry has a set look they are known for so inorder for other categories such as plus size, short models and unique looking ethnic models to make a impact a new fashion industry would have to be created.

Is it personal or is it just good business?

Many have noticed that the reasoning behind it has more to do with makeup, hair, body type and clothing, than anything else, many in the fashion industry are used to working with tall, thin, straight haired models who blend in multiple environments, see my take on it is that when it comes to fashion designers they are creating art on a blank canvass, so they would rather have a plainer look to start with that they can fix up into the creation they want, many of the fashion designers use a one size fit all type of design with the clothes they make, which does not allow for curves which many black women have plenty of.

Also I would say makeup is another issue, darker skins can only wear certain makeup as well as ethic hair textures can not stand the repeat damaging hairstyles either. Some would argue different but I would say its more business than anything else, the fashion industry is a business and it would serve black models well to start their own fashion modeling agencies and fashion clothes line and run their own high fashion runway shows, if they want to make a greater impact.

Niche Opportunity for Black Fashion Designers and Black Fashion Models

I always say there is a silver lining in any situation that may appear to be not favorable at first, the lack of black fashion models leaves open a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs and forward thinkers who can start something that is a niche and something that is needed, by starting and looking into being a trend setter you may be surprised at how well it will be received by the masses and not to mention how lucrative it can be. Just look at the successful Ebony Fashion Fair that travels from city to city showcasing some of the best high fashion couture in the business.