The Fashion Week Problem No One’s Talking About (Except This Model)
In many ways, the fashion industry has been making some major moves to be a more diverse and inclusive place. Ashley Graham recently made history as the Sports Illustrated’s first plus-size model, Dolce and Gabanna recently released a collection of super luxe hajibs and the launch of lingerie brand Nubian Skin has made it possible women of color to actually find a nude bra that matches their skin tone. And while the industry has come a long way, a series of recent tweets from Victoria’s Secret model have proved that there is still a long way to go.
While behind the scenes at fashion week, Anderson took to Twitter to share her frustration surrounding how unprepared and unequipped some makeup artists are when working with a woman of color.
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
@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
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
In addition to sharing a behind-the-scenes account of what she has to deal with makeup-wise, she also shared a peek at how unprepared some hair stylists are when working with natural hair.
Lord. Jesus. Thank you. This show is the sole reason I was given weave I don't even like. Look at this hair. pic.twitter.com/uI9g9cCDYD
— Leomie Anderson (@LeLeValentine) February 17, 2016
It gets worse :/??? pic.twitter.com/RQPeSawg1i
— Leomie Anderson (@LeLeValentine) February 17, 2016
Leomie’s tweets were actively responded to by women and ever fellow models supporting her frustrations. Leomie’s points were definitely well made and 100% just and we’re crossing out fingers that those in charge of producing these majorly influential fashion shows are listening.
Are you a makeup artist or model? What’s been your backstage experience? Share with us on Twitter @britandco.
(Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)