Images courtesy of intheknow.com
The global protests are facilitating some interesting shifts. One of the most surprising shifts that these protests have caused is giving an impetus for an apology from Anna Wintour to her black staffers at Vogue.
Known to be an ice queen of sorts, no one in fashion industry ever expected Wintour to apology for anything. However, the global protests have softened Wintour’s heart, prompting a moment of reflection and regret.
“I want to start by acknowledging your feelings and expressing my empathy towards what so many of you are going through: sadness, hurt, and anger too,” Wintour wrote. “I want to say this especially to the Black members of our team—I can only imagine what these days have been like. But I also know that the hurt, and violence, and injustice we’re seeing and talking about have been around for a long time. Recognizing it and doing something about it is overdue,” explained Wintour in a Page Six article.
“We have made mistakes too, publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant. I take full responsibility for those mistakes,” Wintour continued. “It can’t be easy to be a Black employee at Vogue, and there are too few of you. I know that it is not enough to say we will do better, but we will—and please know that I value your voices and responses as we move forward. I am listening and would like to hear your feedback and your advice if you would like to share either.”
Wintour ended by stating that Condé Nast is working to support social justice organizations. At this time, no social organizations or civil rights organizations have been named.
Image courtesy of thecut.com
Finally, Harper’s Bazaar
Well, it’s about time!! Harper’s Bazaar has its first black editor-in-chief. We all know the continued global protests to stop police brutality and racial inequality has sparked some shakeups in the fashion industry—Anna Wintour apologizing for not being racially sensitive; the Virgil Abloh persistent clap backs, and French luxury brands contributing to the NAACP and other black organizations.
Whether Harper’s Bazaar’s appointment of a black woman, Samira Nasr, to the editor-in-chief position is the direct result of the protests is yet to be determined. However, Nasr has more than enough experience and is highly qualified. Nasr’s most recent position was Executive Editor of Vanity Fair. Prior to Vanity Fair, she was fashio, Nan director at Elle for five years. Additionally, she has a master’s in journalism from New York University.
“Fashion and BAZAAR are synonymous,” Nasr said in a statement, as reported in dailyfrontrow.com. “It is a tremendous privilege to be entrusted with moving this legacy brand into a new era—one that is colorful, inclusive and celebrates the beauty of fashion on every platform—while carrying on the tradition of innovative art direction and great style that the BAZAAR audience loves so much. The most beautiful part of working in magazines is the teamwork and creating a community. I can’t wait to get started.”
Nasr will begin her new role as Harper’s Bazaar’s editor-in-chief on July 6.
Image courtesy of twitter.com
Joan speaks out
In an industry where fashion models are expected to be seen and not heard, due to global racial injustice and police brutality protests, many fashion models are joining with protesters and raising their collective voices. Supermodel Joan Smalls adds her name to the list.
Smalls recorded a five-minute video and released the following statement on Instagram. “The recent and long-standing acts against the black community have been saddening, frustrating and unacceptable. I feel these same emotions when I think about how my industry, the fashion world, is responding. It is time for this industry to do more than post a black square and say they’ll “Do Better!” It’s time for us to see the change starting from the ground up. Give us a seat at the table, include us, give us a chance, because we are worthy, talented and unique. There have been so many times where I’ve had to face issues against my race within this industry because I was their token black girl. The campaigns and editorials I had to share while my counterparts got to achieve that on their own. Or that my hair was an issue or that I made a show or campaign too ethnic, the list goes on and on. This industry that I love has profited from us but has never considered us equal. This. Stops. Now. It’s time for the fashion industry to stand up and show their solidarity. Time for you all to give back to these communities and cultures which you draw so much inspiration from. I do want to thank those that did see me for me and gave me a chance. Those that helped me fight my way to where I am today. Thank you, thank you for doing what you knew to be right versus what others said should be done. You will help us be the leaders of change. In saying all of this, I also pledge to donate 50% of my salary for the remainder of 2020 to Black Lives Matter organizations. I know I can’t just talk about change; I [must] be a force for it. I encourage and will continue to encourage brands within this industry to do the same and give back. Let’s all be the change we want and need to see. These battles are long from over but together we’re stronger and together we can accomplish what is needed.”
Power to the People. Resist, resist, resist!!
—William S. Gooch
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