The issue of diversity in the fashion business has received increasing attention and open discussion in recent years. Although progress has been made, many models from other backgrounds confront different problems than their European-descent colleagues because of a long-standing emphasis on Eurocentric beauty standards.
These 15 Latina models shared candidly about their challenges and experiences working in the fashion industry:
1.
According to Valentine Alvarez, Who What Wear, “I get messages all the time from people telling me that they were inspired to become models after seeing my face someplace at random. I genuinely see myself transforming the sector. When I was younger and used to flip through publications, there was one thing that always caught my attention: nobody looked like me. No one else’s skin tone or nose looked like mine. Nobody possessed tattoos or body piercings, much less classic ones.”
“Now, we have people like Quannah [Chasinghorse], who inspire Native people worldwide by being the first,” they went on. It’s critical to have a sense of belonging in this environment. It’s difficult to feel that way when you don’t see yourself anywhere, so I’m happy to be a part of this incredible group of individuals who embody their position in the world. I sincerely hope that Indigenous, Latinx, and LGBTQ folks identify with me.
At the very least, I want people to know that these doors can open for us too. I hope that I am opening doors for them. I hope that those who have noticeable tattoos, large scars, and face piercings will be able to see me and realize that they are not alone. They could serve Fenty well. They are able to walk in Paris fashion shows. Things are conceivable for them that they believe are not possible.”
Additionally, they said to Vogue, “I never felt gorgeous growing up. It seemed impossible for me to become a model. [Fashion] was quite Eurocentric when I was growing up. No one who was [considered] the pinnacle of beauty looked like me; they didn’t have a brown complexion like me or a bridge in their nose like me. Observing the success of other minorities [today] inspires you to take the risk. You truly want to be that person for other people, too.”
2.
Paloma Elsesser told CNN on the day of her 2021 Vogue cover shoot, “We’re shooting a Vogue cover as a short, overweight, mixed-race woman who never thought this would be her reality…. It is not my place to be here. Nobody here looks like me. Who am I to fool? I’m not a model at all.”
She added, “I support issues related to my identity and body. Because it’s my reality, it’s something that always comes up. Perhaps a girl will feel a little less self-hatred after seeing my images. Does that mean I’m a real-life hero? No.
3.
Joan Smalls posted on Instagram, saying, “I’ve had to deal with racism issues in this industry a lot since I was their token Black girl. The advertisements and opinions I was required to contribute, whereas my peers were able to accomplish that independently. The list goes on and on. Or that my hair was a problem, or that I made a performance or campaign too ethnic.”
“This industry that I love has made money off of us, but it has never treated us equally,” she went on. That. halts. Right now. The fashion industry needs to take a position and demonstrate its unity now. It’s time for you all to return the favour by supporting these societies and cultures from which you get so much inspiration.”
4.
According to Celeste Romero, Who What Wear “This past year, Vogue México printed my debut cover and included an image of my side profile. Because I was bullied and never saw anyone who looked like me on billboards or magazine covers, I was insecure about my nose growing up. Modelling has helped me to accept and value my physical characteristics. I’m thrilled to encourage young people to pursue modelling careers.”
“I hope my impact is towards young people who look like me,” she added. When people view images or videos of me, [I hope] they recognise themselves and realise that they too can pursue careers in modelling, acting, or anything else in the public spotlight.”
She also said to Vogue, “Being Native American and Mexican, I have prominent cheekbones and a fairly masculine face. I always thought, ‘Why do I have this nose?’ growing up. I coveted the flawless girl’s nose with the slight curve in it. However, my great-grandmother used to tell me that I should value my facial features because they are inherited from very powerful people.I feel like I’m entering the modelling industry at a time when it’s changing rapidly in every aspect. It was incredible to watch Gabriela Hearst walk since she is such an inclusive person. It was incredible how she employed Native Americans to produce some of her clothes.”
5.
Ady Del Valle arranged his own picture session with other plus-sized Latina models after observing that the majority of the Google Image search results for “plus-sized model” were white.
She said to Teen Vogue, “I constantly make sure that every opportunity or project I’m in highlights me as I am: homosexual, Puerto Rican, and Latino. This is how I include my Latinidad in my work and campaigning. I always think about my people, and I want to make sure that, in addition to being a Latino, I’m representing us in a way that is inclusive of plus-size Latinos. I wore a piece developed by a Latino designer for a recent beauty and fragrance campaign in which I appeared as the sole plus-size male model and Latino to be included in a major beauty campaign. I want to ensure that as much of us as possible is visible.”
Additionally, Ady said to Dazed, “There are many places where that representation may be increased, but the dial has moved a little bit on the masculine side of plus-size portrayal. The intersectionality is not there. I feel like I’m the only one speaking up, which is disheartening. I sound like a broken record since I’ve been saying the same thing for the past six years, but models who are viewed as more acceptable because they’re taller or more macho aren’t affected, so they’re not vocal about it.”
6.
SofÃa Jirau stated to Tatler that figuring out what to do after high school was her biggest struggle as she grew older. I desired employment. Sadly, there were no occupations available for people with Down syndrome like me. I have been employed by [Puerto Rican professional development company] INprende as an experience ambassador ever since they offered me a position.”
“I love working for INprende, and I’m grateful for the entire team because they have enabled me to realise my goals,” she went on. Individuals with Down syndrome are equally capable of working, maintaining employment, and starting their own enterprises as everyone else.”
7.
Natalia Castellar Calvani stated to Sense of Self Magazine, “I observe the differences between the people that clients genuinely want to represent their brand and what they purport to advocate for.” I’ve attended a tonne of castings for positions that say they value “diversity,” but they don’t really demonstrate that.”
“I once went to a casting where I could count on one hand the number of non-white models, even though the casting call’s brief was to increase ‘diversity.'” she said. It’s terrible that companies rush to promote a product to the public without even considering their own thoughts.”
8.
Anyelina Rosa had to deal with anti-Black beauty standards while residing in the Dominican Republic. She let her hair down, and she was turned down by local designers. But as her modelling career gained popularity abroad, she came to terms with her natural hair and started styling it in cornrows or an Afro.
She stated to the New York Times, “I adore myself now. I don’t utter things like “I can’t,” “I’m ugly,” or “They won’t pick me.”
9. Karen Vega stated to Vogue that “only a very small group of Mexicans have been able to get into the fashion industry in Mexico due to the requirements that have been put in place.” I think that Oaxaca and other southern cities will see significant transformation as a result of my organisation, Talento Espina. The majority of Mexican models at the moment are from the north.”
10.
“Mexico needs to be represented more both internationally and domestically, and we also need to see greater diversity in the representation of both men and women. I will always be extremely thrilled working on any project that honours my roots,” she continued.
11.
Kengie Smith stated to Teen Vogue, “I’ve seen that Afro-Latinos aren’t given enough credit or visibility in the world. I can identify who I am when I look in the mirror because I can see my skin tone, hair type, culture, and language.”
“I’m a proud Afro-Latina woman living her dream and walking in her purpose,” she said.
12.
Lineisy Montero gained notoriety for wearing her natural hair in an Afro for her runway debut in Prada’s autumn/winter 2015 show. She said to the Telegraph the next year, “I’ve noticed a little positive change.” There used to be only blonde models with straight hair at fashion shows, but these days there are usually two or three morenas—women of darker skin tones—with natural hair.”
“But there’s still a little way to go,” she added.
13.
Devyn Garcia stated to The Fashionography, “I think it will take some time for the industry to evolve for all body types.”
She went on to say, “It’s not going to happen overnight, and I think the way for it to really happen is to see the bigger brands incorporating different sizes into their lines.”
14.
Denise Bidot said to Entertainment Tonight, “I’ve always felt that the Latino community has a very narrow-minded view of beauty, but that wasn’t their fault.” Even in TV roles, it was more like what we saw in the media. The Latina female was constantly there; her appearance was consistent.
In the Latino community, beauty pageants are very popular. Unfortunately, many girls felt pressured to meet extremely strict standards of beauty, which led to the programming of a generation of women and an entire community to believe that this is what it takes to be beautiful. Therefore, before contracts or an offer were made, Nuestra Belleza Latina and I had numerous meetings before I agreed to work on this season.”
She went on, “Oh my god, that is me in a nutshell,” because I honestly think that when they gave me the broad issue of sin talla, sin lÃmites, sin excuses [“no sizes, no limits, and without excuses”]. I disagree that women should be restricted. There aren’t many influential people advising young girls that compassion and intelligence are worth far more. As a result, we have an obligation to the developing next generation.
People feel beautiful, included, and represented when they see all the various body shapes on TV. And I believe that when they began communicating their goals to me, it was from a sincere realization that we can all grow and change in a positive way. For me, it was an obvious choice. I exclaimed, “Lead the way!” Let us proceed. Together, let’s transform the world!”
15.
Finally, Yaznil Baez stated to Teen Vogue, “I emphasize that being Latinx is not something that can easily be confined to a box within my work of modeling and social media influencing.” Latinidad can be experienced in several ways. Recognizing the roles that skin color, body type, size, gender, sexual orientation, and a host of other factors play within Latinidad is crucial.”
She went on to say, “My experience as a Dominican and Puerto Rican plus-size woman will differ from another person’s; but by keeping true to who I am in my work, I show how Latinx people can be high fashion, we can be commercial, we can do it all.”
