Racism, Sizeism, and Just Plain Stupidity
You can snatch this picture (sans my snarky text) and many more of the lovely Ms. Jones here.
Yesterday, a friend of mine posted this on her Tumblr:
Websites like Fashion156 really disappoint me. (I say “websites like” because the problem is obviously more widespread. See blogs like Fashion Gone Rogue and Studded Hearts. FGR very rarely features black models, other than Wek and young Iman. SH never has. I’m using 156 as an example, because they do their own editorials.) I don’t recall the last time I saw a non-white model featured on 156, who, keep in mind, doesn’t have an excuse. Perhaps a site so keen on showcasing diverse, independent fashion, as well as new and emerging designers, should also consider including something other than your typical white, size zero, beau ideal. This idea has, however, apparently escaped them.
She sent an inquiry to the size and got this response:
I am very sorry but I really am very disappointed in having to respond to emails like this.
we cannot change the fashion industry and do not actually want to. We are a FREE website that people can choose to log onto or not. We use all kinds of models and if you want to see more size 16 models, etc then unfortunately F156 is not for you. The industry make samples that are a size 10 and a lot of the show pieces we feature are unique one-offs - there is not a non size 10 alternative. We do not see a problem with that. We try to only use models that are healthy - we do not use size zero models - but this is how the industry has developed - we did not decide this. Just as most actors are “attractive” and most sports-people have in shape bodies, and most Doctors are intelligent. I am being simplistic and generalising of course. But modelling is a profession just like the roles I just listed and models are selected as they are a blank canvas and they have to “suit” most garments - many/most of us normal folk do not!
If you have an issue with this, I suggest you target the designers and model agencies.
I spent hours and hours every day trying to make F156 a great site and find it just so frustrating that people only ever email to complain!
Here are some great models we have shots the past few months.http://www.fashion156.com/beauty_n_grooming.php?issue=26
http://www.fashion156.com/fashion.php?issue=21http://www.fashion156.com/mensfashion.php?page=11&issue=18http://www.fashion156.com/beauty_n_grooming.php?issue=25
I am sorry you felt the need to send your email, but sadly F156 will not be changing our policy as I feel as an editor I try at all times to select a great mix of models for our editorials. Next issue - which was shot 2 weeks ago - you will see models that may more suit what you consider acceptable.
Thank you for your email
Regards
Guy Hipwell
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Guy Hipwell
Editor/Fashion Director
Fashion156.com
Number 1
24 Old Royal Free Square
Liverpool Road
Islington
N1 0YH
email: guy@fashion156.com
tel: 020 7359 3632
Mobile: 07710 265522
http://www.fashion156.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fashion156twitter: http://twitter.com/fashion156
Why not send Mr. Hipwell a message expressing your own thoughts on the subject? And/or his raging stormy FAIL of a response (take your pick as to what stands out as the most moronic)?