Black models do have a presence on the runway and in fashion campaigns yet there remains a long journey ahead for a fully diverse industry that is well educated. Many fashion designers do include black models into the fold but the question is – Is there enough women of colour represented on the catwalk and in fashion publications? Many will argue NO as women of colour themselves they do not witness enough diversity in the fashion industry in comparison to white women. There are many industry experts and designers who are open to shaping a diverse industry yet unfortunately, there remains a lot of individuals who are shut off from the idea possessing racial ignorance. But why????

In addition to the struggle that black women face of landing roles at top fashion houses, is the lack of knowledge of how to cater for their skin type and hair texture. It is not enough to simply include a wide range of models into a show if the designer is not prepared to hire stylists and make-up artists that are trained to work with darker skin tones and varied hair textures.

It is a challenge that many models face that needs to be addressed as many are feeling discriminated against and embarrassed when turning up to a fashion show with stylists who are uneducated. Nykhor Paul announced her frustrations on Instagram about artists not having the correct products to match her “blue black” complexion.

She states: “A good make-up artist would come prepared and do their research before coming to work because often times you know what to expect especially at a show! Stop apologising it’s insulting and disrespectful to me and my race it doesn’t help, seriously! Make an effort at least!”

Tyra Banks comments on how in the past she has been turned away from a GAP advert and a Victoria’s Secret show due to her ‘bad’ hair as the stylist was not trained to work with her hair type. Her advice is to spread the word but whilst campaigning for change “be prepared.” After being turned away by Victoria’s Secret she asked her agent to ring up to ask for a second chance. The night before the job she planned for her hairdresser Oscar James to come to her house. He washed and straightened her hair, carefully wrapped it in a scarf overnight so the next day she could dazzle the organisers with perfection securing a ten year contract. She was not going to be beaten yet should she have had to go to this effort to succeed in the modelling industry? Again the answer is NO but Tyra did what she had to do to make a successful career for herself. Unfortunately, it appears that the industry hasn’t changed that much over the years yet Maria Borges has decided to stop wearing hair extensions to please professionals and is letting her natural hair show from now on. We need pioneers like Bobbi Brown who 24 years ago understood that women of colour required make-up to match their skin tone!!

Do you believe that women of colour deserve to be treated respectfully in the make-up chair? Share if you would like to spread the word and help make a change.