“Every year the women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future…This is known as Fashion Week” – Carrie Bradshaw, "Sex and the City."
As Carrie perfectly put it, New York Fashion Week is a weeklong event that women eagerly anticipate annually. As each season passes, new fashion becomes more modern and fresh. Inspiration is taken from various aspects of life, but one thing that is unique this year is the diversity.
Off the runways, steps toward diversity have been apparent in many arenas. Barbie has been revamped and there are now versions with all body types. Sports Illustrated this year has three covers, two of which feature athletic UFC star Ronda Rousey and the first plus size cover model, Ashley Graham. These companies have set positive examples in the industry and more actions like this need to be taken.
During NYFW there were runway shows that also showed diversity. Some of them include Joseph da Silva, Zac Posen, Puma x Fenty by Rihanna, Gypsy Sport, Tory Burch, and Chromat. They all seemed to make strides toward change and have received a positive response. Inclusion of various types of people, seemed to be more of a goal with each runway show, which is an exciting change to see.
Zac Posen set out to show diversity with all different skin colors featured in the show. 25 of the 33 models on his catwalk were African American. He has even been quoted saying “black models matter” during NYFW this year. The inspiration for his spring collection was “Ugandan Princess Elizabeth of Toro.” This theme influenced the casting choices, but Posen also wanted to pay homage to all walks of life. He has also said that diversity is “essential” when it comes to the fashion world.
Chromat showcased modern, sporty designs with structural lingerie-esque vibes.
Josefa da Silva was also diverse in their model selection. They chose Madeline Stuart, the first professional model with Down’s syndrome. In addition, they had Rebekah Marine and Gianna Schiavone, who both are arm amputees. Representation of upper extremity amputees, which are very apparent on a runway, is so unique and daring. It provides reassurance to viewers that people are beautiful in all their unique forms. This message is encouraging and reflects that the fashion world is evolving.
The increased diversity on this year’s runway is commendable. While not every designer took strides toward change, the ones that did should be acknowledged. It is important for women and little girls looking up to the models to see others that represent themselves. Hiring nontraditional models makes a fashion house worthy of recognition, respect and patronage. Hopefully, this trend to include more types of people will continue, featuring even more diversity, as everyone is beautiful in their uniqueness.
