Exotic models now grace fashion shows and ad campaigns as Fashion Industry recognizes beauty in diversity.

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWire) -- 03/13/2014 --Commercial definition of beauty has often sparked debate and argument because of its radical approach most repeatedly caught up with racial discrimination. Over the past decades, the rise of multi-racial advertising campaigns and ethnical diversity of models on the catwalks are being noticed leaving mixed reactions either from the advertisers and designers themselves or the audience.

Predominantly White World

White models grace almost all Fashion and Beauty magazine covers across the globe, leaving a few titles to feature ethnically diversified faces. "The evidence suggests that black cover girls don't sell as well as white cover girls," confesses Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue. It was also noted in Women’s Wear Daily March article about magazine cover sales by Erik Manza that Rihanna was the worst seller for Vogue.

However not all editors show the same perception on strict magazine ruling. Jo Elvin, editor of Glamour, dismisses the theory that tawny hair sells. "If we have a dark-haired girl on the cover, I don't think, 'Oh, we need a blonde.' Our cover sales are driven by a cover star who has something to say." One of the best-selling covers of Instyle magazine featured Celebrity Jennifer Lopez, a proud Latina woman. Jezebel, a blog aimed at women's interests, has declared Kerry Washington cover of Vanity Fair is historic as it been six years after it featured a black woman on its cover.

No labels

White, Black, Brazilians, Asian, people are too quick categorizing models with labels. This same categorization makes it difficult for coloured skin models to penetrate the modelling world. Black and dark skinned models have struggled to be accepted by the fashion mainstream. Jourdan Dunn, a model has openly expressed her sentiments over being rejected because of her skin color. Similarly, Chanel Iman spoke at the Times last year that designers have disallowed her from shows because: "We already found one black girl. We don't need you anymore." Elle magazine published an interview with Joan Smalls that discussed racism. She was told, "You're a black model. It's a challenge."

Yet models with diverse ethnicity have grown in prominence over the past decade. Last year Prada casts a black model Cindy Bruna for its fall 2013 campaign. This year, there's even more brown beauties to add to the list including Joan Smalls, featured in Fendi's Spring/Summer 2014 ad. Then there's Malaika Firth, who was introduced to the fashion industry as Prada's first black model in nearly 20 years, fronting Valentino's new campaign. Nigerian model Betty Adewole was casted as the new face for Tom Ford Beauty. Even Chinese models are rising to fame. French luxury brand Louis Vuitton added a Taiwanese-Canadian model to its roster of faces. It’s the first time the company has used an Asian model to showcase its products. The recently concluded New York Fashion week featured over 40 Asian models of both gender on its catwalk.

These days both Fashion shows and the print media demonstrated a greater demand for diversity. With these changes being seen, it is a great sign of global sensibility. It may not happen overnight but big fashion brands are reaching out to redefine beauty as a harmony between personality and the external image regardless of color and ancestry.

About Sacha Cosmetics
Sacha Cosmetics is a cosmetic line founded 30 years ago in Trinidad, a secluded paradise which is one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the world. It was in this dynamic and diverse market that Sacha was conceived. Our vision was to develop the world’s first line of cosmetics that would look equally beautiful on women of different ancestry. SACHA COSMETICS was the Official Cosmetics of the Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Bahamas and Miss Jamaica Pageants and many other special events worldwide.