Last week I wrote an Obsessed post on the new Christian Louboutin ballet flats that were just released that now come in 7 different skin tones, dispelling the antiquated notion that "nude" is synonymous with a peachy/beige color. The designer also has his signature heels in a range of tones.
The news is very exciting because in fashion the high end designers cause a trickle down effect which means more accessible brands will follow their lead. What's amazing is that it is 2016 and inclusive fashion is just now becoming "a thing", but better late than never right?
Another brand that has caught my eye in the last couple years is Nubian Skin, a lingerie brand that offers a range of intimates in various skin tones. Nubian Skin was started by a 30 year old former private equity senior associate, Ade Hasaan. She was frustrated not being able to find lingerie to match her skin tone, so she did something about it and launched her own brand. Celebrities like Kerry Washington and multiracial Thandie Newton are fans. You can learn more about Ade in this great interview she did with the L.A. Times.
One area Nubian Skin has recently added is hosiery for Plus Size women called Nubian Skin Curve. Hopefully they add larger sizes for their lingerie soon because while skin tone diversity is obviously key, so is celebrating body diversity. Currently their bra sizes go up to a 40 and their panties to an XL. The hosiery is available in XL through 3XL. All Nubian Skin pieces come in 4 colors:
- Berry
- Cinnamon
- Caramel
- Cafe Au Lait
Bjorn Borg, is a designer I'm not super familiar with but in my research I discovered he also has a line he calls Six Shades of Human. His website states the collection is to celebrate the 84% of humans that do not have the skin tone that was previously used as the "nude" standard. The photography is clean, modern and gorgeous, so you're welcome for all the eye candy:)
Another interesting example is Kanye West organized his latest fashion show in skin tone order with corresponding outfits, reminds me of a human Pantone Book which is a cool concept. When Vogue asked the designer about his casting choices, Kanye explained: 'It’s just a painting, just using clothing as a canvas of proportion and color.'
I hope these brands launch a million copycats in the fashion world so men, women and kids of all races and multiracial combinations can find fashion that matches their skin tones. Fashion has been exclusive for too long, catering to the white, the thin and the unattainable. As consumers we want to see a wide range of skin tones and bodies, and now is the time to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness in every possible way.
What examples of inclusiveness have you see in the world of fashion?