Diversity on the Runway

What drives me nuts is when I have to argue with folks about increasing diversity on the runway – I know several designers who want only 5’10”, size 0, blondes with shoulder-length hair. Diversity? They’re willing to take a few women who are 5’11”.

I refuse to book these designers in my shows. Nothing against models who ARE that look, but diversity is beautiful – and good business.

Before starting Veriscouts, I spent the better part of 20 years as a fashion and retail marketing consultant and run a Fashion Retailer industry trade group – with more than 75,000 members globally, so I do have *some* clue about how consumers behave. Unless you plan on ONLY selling to the 5’10” blonde community, give your audience someone who at least looks vaguely like them.

Yes, I understand that your sample sizes are only 0-4 and as a fashion show producer I don’t have room to bring in 500 models to be as fully diverse as I’d love to be, but even within the limits of practicality, I like my shows to have tall folks, short folks, skinny folks, curvy folks, skin tones ranging from super pale to darkest ebony. Models of all shapes, sizes, quirks, and personalities.

I want designers who understand that this is good for their brand – and good for humanity.

DIVERSITY IS BEAUTY
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤❤️

Are you based in Southern California? Do you think you can add some diversity on the runway? Apply for the SoCal Fashion Show here:
http://bit.ly/2WTRTIl