People hide behind the word aesthetic. They say, ‘Well, it’s just that designer’s aesthetic.’ But when you see 18 seasons in a row and not one single model outside a certain skin color…? There are people in the industry who are advocates, who support diversity. And there are people who do not. I don’t get it. Beauty is universal. These doors have to open.
Interpretation
The quote challenges the narrow perception of beauty in fashion and advocates for diversity in representation.
Joan Smalls emphasizes the need for inclusivity in the fashion industry, highlighting that the term 'aesthetic' is often used to justify a lack of diversity. She argues that beauty should be universal and that the industry must open its doors to different representations beyond the predominant skin color, calling attention to those who actively support diversity versus those who do not.
In practice
During a panel discussion on fashion trends.
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