This happens far too often!
In its S/S 2016 presentation on Tuesday Valentino showed 90 looks for its Africa-inspired collection.
Calling the collection “primitive, tribal, spiritual, yet regal,” the brand featured mostly white models sporting corn-rows, and only 10 of the looks were modeled by women of African descent.
And there were only eight black models total, out of 87!
The glaring contrast between the theme and the lack of models of color upset quite a few people, who called out the famous Italian fashion label for taking inspiration from African culture without at least having more African models actually present the clothing.
The brand was called out on its Instagram page and on Twitter:
That’s very cute of #Valentino to pay homage to the African culture for the new collection, but ummm…where were the african models?
— Patrice Hall (@PatriceStylist) October 6, 2015
Well kids, we’re going to “wild, tribal Africa.” #Valentino #pfw
— Robin Givhan (@RobinGivhan) October 6, 2015
Valentino inspired by a “primitive” yet “regal” Africa because he put Shuku on an almost all white model line up. Sometimes I hate fashion
— The Madam-Editor (@TheMadamEditor) October 6, 2015
Valentino’s S/S ’16 show was inspired by “tribal Africa”, yet only 8 out the of 87 models were black. Somehow don’t see that adding up
— Sophie Hammond (@Sophindra) October 6, 2015
Valentino’s ‘wild Africa’ show aka cultural appropriation central.
— Jnnfr (@Alt_Jennifer) October 6, 2015
Yikes, so much Twitter outrage. Wouldn’t want to be the person who booked the models at #Valentino right now.
— Jasmine Garnsworthy (@JasGarnsworthy) October 6, 2015
valentino├óΓé¼Γäós new collection is africa inspired yet most of the models walking were white…? i expected more from them tbh
— bella (@stockholmns) October 6, 2015
Interestingly, the photos shared on Instagram were exclusively of white models, but after the backlash gained further notice, the page was updated with the photo of a black model.
This laser cut leather mini skirt highlights the skill and workmanship of the Maison. To see the entire #SS16 collection click on #linkinbio Photo by @fashiontomax
A photo posted by Valentino (@maisonvalentino) on Oct 6, 2015 at 12:05pm PDT
We hope the criticism will inspire the brand to be more diverse next time.
[Image via AP Images.]
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