Iman Wants Black Models To Be Taken Seriously

-- Trish Bendix from AfterEllen.com

On this last cycle of America's Next Top Model, second runner up Fatima was constantly being compared to Iman. That's certainly nothing to complain about – Iman's beautiful bone structure and glowing skin are only some of her greatest assets. She's currently the host of Project Runway Canada but hasn't stopped modeling –  in fact, she is said to be on the cover of an upcoming issue of Italian Vogue, which is being dubbed "the all black issue."

Iman told New York Magazine that she's not necessarily in support of "all black" issues of magazines, however. "They'll think, 'Okay, we did it.' And then they're done with it, and we'll have to wait till next year," she said. She also remarked that she doesn't want black models to be seen as "caricatures."

 

If anyone would know about how black models are treated in the industry, it is Iman. She is one of a handful that have often been the lonely only black model amongst several white models in shows and shoots throughout her career.

However, in the changing times, more models of color are being recognized for their strengths as models, not as "black models," which has also helped to give them careers in other sectors of the entertainment business.

 

 

Besides Tyra, Naomi Campbell and Iman, there are talented and beautiful women like:

 

Selita Ebanks

 

Jessica White

 

Honorine Uwera

 

Those are just a select few who I could stand to see on some billboards and magazine ads and not in one issue of Italian Vogue. Do you have any favorites you'd like to see used more often?

 

Comments

[Bill]

I think what Iman says is true. The people in charge will do an all Black issue and say "Okay, we've done it, no need to show Black models again." I know White models fall out of favor also, but it is the individual model or look, not the entire race.