Naomi Calls Fashion Industry Racist

Filed Under: Fashion Smashion Models Naomi Campbell

Never one to shy from making her thoughts known, Naomi Campbell has spoken out against the fashion industry, calling it a racist institution.

Again?

Campbell, who was the first black cover girl for both French and British Vogue, says that "you know, the American president may be black, but as a black woman, I am still an exception in this business. I always have to work harder to be treated equally."

Campbell's friend and designer, Bruce Oldfield, says that "it's absolutely true that black models will not be as popular for advertising companies and magazine covers as white girls. In a recession, it's probably doubly difficult for black girls to get a booking….In this climate things are worse, but it is compounding a problem that already exists. Cover editors are going to choose white over black. Naomi is not far off the mark."

Campbell goes on to say that, "this year we have gone back all the way that we had advanced. I don't see any black women, or of any other race, in big advertising campaigns."

We have to say, we can't think of a single major ad campaign featuring a woman of color. And, as we mentioned before, i-D Magazine is the only publication to feature black models on their September issue.

In this case, we're on Team Naomi!

[Image via WENN.]

Posted: August 31, 2009 at 4:59 pm