Romany was just 20 years old when she set up Rare Select Models after finding that certain groups were underrepresented in the fashion industry. Casting directors would often ask if she knew any models from ethnic minorities, as she was coming into her own as a photographer. There was a gap in the market for diverse models. It wasn't seen as cool to have darker skin models or hijabs. Five years later, models from Rare Select have appeared in high fashion campaigns.
In the past five years, the diversity of models featured on magazine covers has improved. Theo Cottle.
The British- Nigerian founder says this has been against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement and the George Floyd protests, which led to racist incidents in the industry being exposed.
According to a report from The Fashion Spot, the number of models of color featured in runway shows has increased.
However, plus-sized models accounted for just 2.3% of castings, up from 0.43% five years earlier, according to The Fashion Spot. Castings of transgender and non-binary models increased from 0.17% for Fall 2017 to 1.34%.The Fashion Spot found more models of color on magazine covers in the years to come. There were 47 models over the age of 50 on covers last year, up from 31 the year before.
The number of models on magazine covers has increased.
The London-based entrepreneur says that before the movement, three years ago, brands were not as willing to feature diverse faces or bodies in their campaigns.Alex Chan is a model. Isiah Smith.
We are seeing more models with darker complexions, wearing hijabs and from the trans community being featured as the industry is trying to correct its wrongs in a way and is learning how to be more diverse.
"We have been pushing for our models to get exposure before 'diversity' and 'inclusion' became buzzwords and before it was seen as something companies need to do to not isolate themselves from customers from different demographics," Francesca says.Emily Emru was photographed by Rare Select Models founder Romany Francesca.
In the last year, Edward Enninful became the first black editor of British Vogue and Ib Kamara became the first black editor-in-chief at Dazed.
"British Vogue's cover for its February 2022 issue featured all African models with darker complexions. These publications are a source of influence and direction and often set the tone for others," Francesca says.We hope that models at Rare Select are valued and that organizations come to first to source diverse models. She says that they are constantly scouting for people with disabilities, plus-size and ethnic minority models.
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Fashion Diversity Diversity and Inclusion Modelling Agencies
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