H&M’s Paris fashion show Wednesday night was the show of our inclusive dreams. Diversity, in almost every way imaginable, from curvy model Ashley Graham, transgender models Hari Nef and Andreja Pejic, and veteran models Amber Valletta and Pat Cleveland.
The show was definitely a step in the right direction for the fashion industry, and a celebration of a diverse range of women. It’s something that many people have called for and H&M and other designers have seemed to answer this season. Honestly, it makes us nothing but excited to see the beginnings of actual human representation on the runways, especially a fast fashion designer like H&M. It’s like a huge diversity projection to the worlds and a strong footprint towards a more diverse fashion industry.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram. Andreja Pejic
It’s great to be excited and praise the amazingness that was this south western inspired show, however there is as fine line between celebrating and making something a spectacle. Seeing a black curvy model walking down the runway is not the equivalent to watching a dog walk on its hind legs.
As we walk into the horizon of inclusivity we have got to stop making it such a spectacle. Not to take away anyone’s A+ for effort, but this is what should be happening. Designers should be working with a wide range of people to truly represent the actual world that we live in. We can be excited that all shapes, sizes and colors are being celebrated
however being shocked every time it happens is kind of offensive. As inclusivity improves in the fashion industry, we need to normalize it.
What do you think?
