The Diversity Report for the Fall 2016 fashion season, examined 312 shows and 8,727 model castings from New York, London, Paris and Milan. Less than 25% of the models cast were models of color. For all four cities combined, 75% of the models cast were white and 25% were models of color.
The fact is Black child models aren’t faring any better. I was viewing fashion images for inspiration on a project I was planning, when I came across a Dolce & Gabbana fashion spread for kids, it was simply darling—but it only took a “hot second” for me to see the obvious, there were no Black children in the spread. So, I got curious and did a search on most of the top haute couture designers, only to find the same disparity. Then I got pissed—being aware by contrast, that consumers who purchase luxury clothing are more diverse than ever. It feels like a slap in the face to all people of color who line up to buy designer fashions, when the message clearly seems to be “we’re just not that into you.”
Writ large, we—people of color, keep waiting around and hoping that designers will grow a care, and do the right thing. We keep hoping they would view diversity as one of society’s greatest strengths. NOT HAPPENING! So, the staff at Opus Magazine decided to do something about creating opportunities for our kids “if Madison Avenue won’t come to us, we’ll bring it to them.” After all, it’s not their job to recognize and promote our fabulous kids and their awesome potential, it would be nice if they did, but that’s our gig. So, we picked our lane, and launched The Opus Kids, who are debuting in this issue.
ON THE SAME PAGE
Model Deddeh Howard Recreated Popular Ad Campaigns To Make A Statement About Lack of Diversity
The representation of black women in popular media continues to be woefully inadequate, even though black women are holding down a dominate role in pop culture. “Black Mirror” a photo series created by Howard to demonstrate that her talent, which has been overlooked time and time again, stacks up against Gisele, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and any other top model.
Howard is a model, medical student, and fashion blogger, who still found time with photographer boyfriend Raffael Dickreuter to produce the photo series that nailed the recreation of images from major ad campaigns that feature famous white models. Howard said the series, which took about three months to complete, was inspired by the discrimination she faced as a model: “Agencies would often tell me, ‘We like your look but there’s a black girl already’.
Howard said she finds it “unbelievable” and “bizarre” that there are hardly any models of color featured in fashion magazines. “There are many beautiful black models and they are not represented the way they should be,” she said. With “Black Mirror” Howard wanted to send a message that models of color, especially black models, are just as gorgeous as anyone else, and should be at the forefront of campaigns.
Since the release of “Black Mirror” Howard is thrilled at the huge response. “I’m very grateful people feel the same way I do, people are telling me that I’m an inspiration to them and it feels unreal. We must keep fighting for what we believe in.”
You can view her photo series HERE.
Frequently Asked Question About Child Modeling
Is my kid cute enough to model? Yes. All kids are cute, but cute isn’t everything. Agents are looking for a range of kids with different looks and availability. For the agencies, the most important trait that they are looking for is a child who is not afraid of bright lights and strangers. That often trumps cute.
How do I get my child into modeling? How much does it cost? A simple Google search can get you started. Many agencies offer open calls or accept photos by mail for consideration. You should never have to pay an agent, but you may need to invest money in professional photographs and possibly some clothes or shoes.
What do child models earn? According to industry reports, child models make around $25-75/hr for magazines shoots, $1,000-1,200/day for advertisements, $125/hr for product package, while commercials can range anywhere from $475 to $100,000, depending on the scale on which the commercial airs and for how long.
Contact info@opusmagazine.biz for booking information for the Opus Kids.
My niece had a similar experience at a modeling agency, they said they already had “one” black model. Glad to see more and more people starting the conversation about diversity in youth modeling.
Very informative, unfortunately, this issue goes beyond the fashion industry. It’s good however to see models like Deddeh bringing awareness to the issue.
I hope to see significant changes in the modeling industry in regards to race and equality.