Diversity In the Industry

Diversity in the fashion industry has long been a topic of heated discussion, particularly around the lack of representation for models with darker skin tones, unique features, or backgrounds that deviate from the industry’s narrow standards of beauty. The struggle for inclusivity and equal opportunities has been an uphill battle, with deeply ingrained biases perpetuating the status quo. While progress has been made, the pace of change remains frustratingly slow, leaving many talented individuals marginalized and unseen.

Historically, lighter-skinned models dominated the covers of major magazines and walked for renowned designers. This lack of representation sends a powerful and damaging message about who is deemed "beautiful" or worthy of visibility. It creates a cycle of exclusion that is difficult to break. The industry’s preference for Eurocentric beauty standards has not only marginalized people of color but also influenced global perceptions of beauty, often alienating those who do not conform to these ideals.

Thankfully, awareness is growing, and the industry is beginning to acknowledge the value of diversity. The rise of social media and platforms where models can share their experiences has shone a light on discrimination and inequality. Campaigns led by bold, outspoken models and activists have paved the way for a more inclusive future. Models like Adut Akech, who has become a global ambassador for diversity, and Jillian Mercado, who represents the disabled community, are examples of how the industry is expanding its definition of beauty.

Moreover, high-profile fashion weeks and advertising campaigns are gradually showcasing more diversity, not just in terms of skin color but also body types, gender identities, and abilities. Brands are recognizing that inclusivity is not just a trend but a necessary step toward representing the world as it truly is.

Despite the progress, systemic change is necessary. Modeling agencies, designers, makeup artists, and photographers must actively work together to create equitable opportunities and representation. Until these changes become the norm rather than the exception, the industry will continue to fall short of its potential. Representation matters—not just for those in the industry but for society as a whole, as it shapes perceptions of beauty, self-worth, and identity for generations to come.What does a typical model look like? Or rather should look like? Apart from being skinny and tall, they ought to have sharp features or just a common term to generalize what they are looking for as “beautiful” but what that implies varies a lot.

The fashion industry has long been accused of having type-casted models more so a proclivity towards the lighter skin tones. Thanks to the awareness amongst the youth that diversity in the fashion industry has surged leading to the overall improvement in the scenario.

A lot of models have been through brutality and discrimination based on their skin color or background. They were denied jobs not because they were not fit for it, just because they might not have been of the “skin tone” that the job or advertisement required. Just because someone doesn’t fall under any one category does not mean that they can be denied what is so rightfully there’s

First, Agencies rarely sign darker-skinned models for jobs, even when they have made it through, they need to bring their makeup. Also, the makeup artists are reluctant about what needs to be done for them. Let alone bringing their makeup, they have to do their makeup when they go for shoots.

It is even worse because the professionals hire makeup artists for such big jobs. Agencies pay them to do their job. But they still end up using the same shades as they would use for the white models. That is highly unprofessional. This is because they have been certified to be able to do their job no matter what the skin tone is or the background of the person they are working with.

The problem is not just with these makeup artists alone. The people who are hiring them should make it clear from the very start that we live in an age where diversity is important. Also, we are not the same orthodox people having just one static dimension of what beauty means. People don’t consider it to be such a big issue but that is exactly where they are lacking, it matters, and such things cannot be overlooked

A lot of modeling agencies come forward and claim to fight the battles against gender discrimination. They will help you book a job no matter what skin color you are. There are models all around the globe striving to reach a position where people recognize and consider them as professional models.

Even after they put in efforts, someone will always be ready to thwart their determination. A lot of models have faced discrimination racial and otherwise when it comes to booking jobs. Which is just a sad truth but a fact still, which no matter shaded by how many lies you cannot deny.

Models are coming forward and talking about their experiences. The ones that have made it to the top, but their journey up there was no walk in the park. The ones still struggling to prove themselves are out there looking for not better opportunities. But considering an equal world where skin color is not a privilege.

Recently the fashion world has been revolutionized by unique models who are representing the transition in the industry. More and more models with darker skin tone are walking the ramp for bigger brands and bagging big names. Winnie Harlow, a contestant for ANTM cycle 21, walked the ramp for Victoria’s Secret last year. Lea T, the longtime muse for Givenchy is a transgender model who has been revolutionizing the industry.

Diandra Forrest an Albino African American model who has been in the industry for quite some time. People made considerable progress, thanks to the media people. They are becoming aware of the dirty secrets of the industry and make amends. Change is inevitable but we cannot expect the entire fashion world to change overnight. The process is slow but steady and we can expect great things, a façade of the fashion industry.