DVF Does It Right: Diversity In Fashion Is Really Not That Hard

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The Fashion Week poledance is almost over, and the final tallies are in. Unfortunately, when it comes to racial diversity, the numbers are (as usual) not very good. Despite campaigning from models like Naomi Campbell and Iman for more racial diversity in fashion, most of New York's runways remained as white as ever. But one collection stood apart from the crowd. Diane von Furstenberg, queen of the wrap dress, and President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, managed to present her Spring 2014 RTW Collection using a very diverse range of models.


DVF's Diverse Runway (Spring 2014 RTW Collection)

HOW REVOLUTIONARY!

I kid, of course, but the fact remains that her decision to use models from many different ethnic groups, and not just choose a token Black or Asian model, is revolutionary in this day and age. The idea that the runway reflecting the demographics of real life could be a positive for the fashion industry is a concept that is unfortunately still quite foreign. And aside from someone obviously identifiable as Latina, she hit almost every skin tone; from white and blonde, to Asian, to light and dark skinned black women. It's sad that in 2013, acknowledging the spectrum of beauty is considered a revolutionary act, but there you have it. Post-racial America. Because Obama.

What I find most amusing is the fact that DVF showcased a range of ethnicities on her runway, and the world did not crumble around her. Life as we know it didn't end. There were black and Asian women on her runway, and it didn't affect the quality of her collection. Imagine that! It also shows that using models of colour, is really not that hard. I can only hope that DVF will use her influence as President of the CFDA to encourage other designers to follow her lead. 

Thankfully, models of colour don't seem to be backing down. Younger models like Jourdan Dunn are taking up the cause for racial diversity, and confronting the racism of the fashion industry head-on. Hopefully things will change for the better in time for her to enjoy the fruits of her labour.


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