[As seen at Ralph by Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Alexandre Herchovitch]
While there was some improvement at this year's Fashion Week, racial diversity was still a major concern on the runways. Black women were still vastly unused on the catwalk, discarded memories of the way they once were.
In January of this year, we witnessed a wagging finger of shame pointed towards the designers featured on spring 2008's collection for not featuring any black models. The sheer disgust of the excuses famous designers used for not hiring black models brought the industry to its knees, and prejudice became the new "black."
But, with all despair comes a renewed source of hope, and we saw designer this time around emerged from the moral muck and placed a couple of colored faces here and there. Darker skin was praised this season as a new emergence of women graced the catwalk. Their complexions so flawless and perfect, they almost seemed subhuman.
At New York's semi-annual Fashion Week ending on Friday, many designers used two or three black models, in the more than 30 shows attended by Reuters reporters. Several only used one, and some had none. Most of the shows featured between 12 and 25 models.
Labels Tracy Reese, DKNY and Diane von Furstenberg displayed a high number of black models this season while others, such as Vivienne Tam, did not use any.source
In the 1970's and 1980's, black women were once the stars of the show. Every designer wanted one to be his muse. Grace Jones, Beverly Peele and Waris Dirie glided across the glossy linoleum in the latest of trends.
In January of this year, we witnessed a wagging finger of shame pointed towards the designers featured on spring 2008's collection for not featuring any black models. The sheer disgust of the excuses famous designers used for not hiring black models brought the industry to its knees, and prejudice became the new "black."
But, with all despair comes a renewed source of hope, and we saw designer this time around emerged from the moral muck and placed a couple of colored faces here and there. Darker skin was praised this season as a new emergence of women graced the catwalk. Their complexions so flawless and perfect, they almost seemed subhuman.
There are several problems with the skin of black women. Its often sensitive, doesn't do well with one-size-fits-all products and is highly susceptible to environmental factors. And for every problem to black skin is an equally disturbing lack of concern from beauty companies to put in the effort to create products just for us.
Dr. Susan C. Taylor MD is a master in the field of Dermatology, specially when dealing with brown skin. She recently published her book, Brown Skin: Dr. Susan Taylor's Prescription for Flawless Skin, Hair And Nails. I actually read this book cover to cover and I enjoyed it. I wished the hair section was a bit more specific, but for the most part it was a very informative read.
The line is divided into three collections:Bright and Healthy; Bright and Even; and Bright and Clear. Each collection is specially formulated with ingredients used to exfoliate, cleanse and perfect the skin of black, Middle Eastern , Asian and Latin women.
The Bright and Even Collection
Dr. Susan C. Taylor MD is a master in the field of Dermatology, specially when dealing with brown skin. She recently published her book, Brown Skin: Dr. Susan Taylor's Prescription for Flawless Skin, Hair And Nails. I actually read this book cover to cover and I enjoyed it. I wished the hair section was a bit more specific, but for the most part it was a very informative read.
The line is divided into three collections:Bright and Healthy; Bright and Even; and Bright and Clear. Each collection is specially formulated with ingredients used to exfoliate, cleanse and perfect the skin of black, Middle Eastern , Asian and Latin women.
This collection was specially for women who suffer from dull or hyperpigmented skin. It contains ingredients used to ward off bumps or slough off dead cells that are clogging up the surface.
The Bright And Healthy Collection
For ladies with sensitive skin or for those who want a more natural approach to beautiful skin. Harsh chemicals can cause scarring on the skin, making it look splotchy and rough. These products for free of the typical irritants that agitate black skin: lanolin, fragrances, propylene-glycol and alcohol.
The Bright And Clear Collection
A group of products geared towards acne-prone skin while still being gentle for everyday use. The group should not not affect other prescription topical and internal medications recommended by a dermatologist.
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