The Puerto Rican supermodel calls out the industry bosses after Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour made a pledge to take the publication forward with a more inclusive perspective.
- June 15, 2020
AceShowbiz - Joan Smalls has called on fashion industry bosses to do more to combat racism.
The 31-year-old model opened up in an Instagram video, explaining she can't escape feeling like the "token black girl" on the runway while her "whole cultural identity" is ignored.
"Hey guys, there's a couple things I need to get off my chest," Joan began. "How many times have I been told that my hair was an issue and told to control it? How many times have I had to share campaigns or editorials when I saw my counterparts had the achievements by themselves?"
She continued, "It was a constant battle no one saw but one that I lived on a daily basis... I don't need validation from an industry that cast me as the token black girl while ignoring my whole cultural identity."
Joan's remarks come after U.S. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour spoke out about past "mistakes" at the publication, pledging to take the renowned fashion outlet forward with a new, more inclusive perspective.
"I want to say plainly that I know Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to Black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators," she penned in a note to staff. "We have made mistakes too, publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant. I take full responsibility for those mistakes."
