It’s the question that the fashion industry has been asking for months: Where have all the black models gone?
Now fashion photographer Nick Knight has addressed the hot topic in a new film posted online.
CLICK HERE to check it out!!
His subject? “The outright taboo subject of racism in the fashion industry.” His stars? Naomi Campbell, a tank, two loaded handguns and a few slates of text.
As the stunning supermodel points two handguns at the camera, Knight’s words appear on screen: “I am virtually never allowed to photograph black models for the magazines, fashion houses, cosmetic brands, perfume companies and advertising clients I work for. Whenever I ask to use a black model I am given excuses such as, ‘Black models are not aspirational in some markets’ or ‘they do not reflect the brands values,’ normally, however, no reason is given.”
Then comes the final slate of text: “If I judge by my own feelings, I can only guess the indignation, anger, rage and fury that black models must feel.”
Finally, Naomi pulls the triggers and lets loose a flurry of bullets.
Though the 2-minute, 11-second flick has no sound, there is no question it speaks volumes.
Moving indeed.
Our thoughts?
10 Comments
If they’d used ANYONE but Naomi Campbell the message would have been acceptable. She is a psychopath who should have been locked up on at least two occasions. Racial injustice should not be tolerated in any arena and I guess the modeling world should be included, but it’s hard to get worked up about a pretty face not getting paid huge money to look pretty. That said, looking at the larger picture, it’s a symptom of our universal prejudices, not just the fashion industry.
But Naomi is still a freaking nut job.
It’s nice to know that the photographer had the balls to speak up about something that’s been going on for years….
I have to agree with the photographer…there really aren’t many high proflie black models anymore which is just a shame.
Btw, the photographer is white. Just thought I should mention that.
My opinion is that it’s not going to change anytime soon. That’s just the way it is. Sad but true.
In fashion there is a norm and everything else is trends. The norm is a tall thin white model, not too sugary looking but elegant and beautiful in the way a piece of design furniture can be beautiful. During my life I’ve seen a few trends come and go: the “ugly” trend, with less perfect but very interesting faces, black models, too young models, unhealthy models, models with curves etc. Of course it’s a shame that black models havn’t made it into the norm yet, but it’s also a reflection of how magazines with black girls on the cover sells or not sells, so in the end it’s our fault.
Anna, you’re right. We, the consumers are hugely to blame for this. Buying power is a huge force for whether or not an industry of any sort can get away with racism.
Una nueva pelÃcula online, creada por el fotógrafo Nick Knight. Es sobre el tema tabú del racismo en la industria de la moda.
La protagonista es Naomi Campbell, que aparece apuntando a la cámara con dos pistolas cargadas y las palabras de Knight aparecen en pantalla. Aunque dura tan solo dos minutos, 11 segundos de pelÃcula no tienen sonido, no hay duda que lo dice todo.
Si quieres ver el video clickea aquÃ.
Wow Olamujer, I wish i could read spanish - wanna try that again in gringo tongue?
I think its a damn shame that these modeling folks have to be so racist because black models are gorgeous, not every body is stick thin… arent you trying to give to the real world…rail thin is fake .. some do drugs and starve themselves thats not the real world…. plus black models have the high cheekbones, skin tone, lips , and curves that white women have to try to get or use a computer image to draw on fakeness, its a damn shame and i am tired of opening a mag and seeing skinny white blonde women.. the world i full of all races not just skinny as^ white women! sraying fake tans, lip plumping, fake boobs, hair extension (weave) and all kinds of fakeness but they are to damn good to use black models! i love the almond shaped eyes and high cheekbones and bone structure of black women!