How One Guy Might Just Make Fashion More Diverse
Ivan Bart with model Jillian Mercado. (Photo: Getty Images)
For decades, the fashion industry has played a major part in perpetuating an ideal standard of beauty. But over the past few years, diversity has become a sticking point — and for good reason. Though runway shows during the Fall 2016 season were more diverse than ever, according to reports, less than 25 percent of all models were people of color. In terms of size, an investigation found that out of 440 model appearances, plus-size models were cast only seven times. But there’s hope on the horizon, manifesting in a few major players that want to change the the future of what fashion looks like.
Last week during a panel discussion, IMG Models President Ivan Bart said that he’s planning to stage the most diverse runway show ever by challenging James Scully, an accomplished casting director who has worked with boldfaced names such as Oscar De La Renta, Tom Ford, and Stella McCartney. “We are going to appeal to one of the major designers, and we’re going to have the most diverse show; multi-size, multi-generational, different races,” Bart said. The dream: Alek Wek would open and Ashley Graham would close (both were panelists).
Besides Bart’s plan to stage a groundbreaking show, he’s made various other efforts to inject variety into fashion. He was a driving force behind IMG’s Husky board, which represents plus-size male models. He was also quick to recognize Graham’s potential and propel her into the spotlight. As for Scully, he too has a history of supporting diverse models. He also recently made headlines when he called out Balenciaga on Instagram for their lack of models of color.
Ensuring that consumers see a models that represent everyone, rather than the narrowly accepted ideal woman is obviously of utmost importance — and even Beyoncé agrees. When she accepted her Fashion Icon Award at the CFDA Awards a few weeks ago, the artist spoke to her own experience and gave the industry a much-needed reminder of progress that has been made — and the fact that there’s still a lot that needs to be done. “When we were starting out in Destiny’s Child, high-end labels didn’t really want to dress four black, country, curvy girls,” she said. “I encourage you to not forget this power that we have or take it lightly. We have the opportunity to contribute to a society where any girl can look at a billboard or a magazine cover and see her own reflection.”
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