California native Devanie Gobir’s glowing cocoa-complexion immediately caught our attention at Catherine Malandrino especially in this azur wrap dress, but it was the model’s take on diversity in the fashion industry that stuck with us. “It’s unfair because the bookings you get are based on the color of your skin. The lighter you are and the closer you are passing for a different race other than black, the more likely they are to book you; and the darker, almost the worst,” Gobir shared with us backstage. On a brighter note, “I think it’s important to not only pay attention when they get it wrong, but celebrate when a designer gets it right.”
Swathed in white eyelet, Michelene Auguste from Trinidad & Tobago, looked every bit of the island girl she is. With her gorgeously bright eyes and a golden glow, it’s hard to believe a beauty like her would have difficulty booking Fashion Week shows. “I went to a casting and they told me ‘we’re not using you guys.’ I feel like we’re in 2013 and we should not be on this level of thinking,” she shared after the Catherine Malandrino show.
We’re loving Jourdan Dunn right now, not only because she’s looked exceptionally stunning at the Alexander Wang (pictured here) and Tommy Hilfiger shows this season, but because she’s also speaking up about the lack of diversity in fashion. “There was a season where ethnic models were being represented and then it went back to the same routine of just using one or none at all,” Dunn told Fashionista.com, “I hope more people speak out, then hopefully people listen and realize it’s not right and something needs to be done.” Bravo for being one of the first models to do so!
“Mara is the only person that always shows me love no matter what,” posted the Sudanese model on Instagram who rocked the runway at Mara Hoffman along with several other chocolate stunners. With velvety skin and striking features, how could you pass her up?
The 23-year-old stunner, Chanel Iman surprised us with her appearance as the only brown beauty on the Cushnie et Ochs runway. Like an old-Hollywood screen siren the sought after IMG model sashayed in this silk halter gown, while we hummed to the tune ‘Purple Rain’ in our heads.
This caramel cutie fluttered down the runway demurely at Honor’s Spring 2014 show in a blackberry cross hatch tweed jacket with mini skirt and rose pigment printed organza blouse. Follow the IMG model on Instagram and Twitter @Jastookes to find out where she’ll be next.
The gorgeous Angolan newbie (signed to Elite models) glided in a black strapless neoprene gown with silk organza overlay and a tulle short sleeved crop top at Tadashi Shoji.
