One model is holding a mirror up to the fashion industry – in more ways than one.
In a project she’s named “Black Mirror”, Deddeh Howard is taking on the lack of diversity in campaigns by recreating a number of several famous images.
The model, who was born in Liberia and is now living in the US, wanted to address the low number of women of colour used in fashion adverts.
Using campaigns fronted by stars including Gisele Bündchen, Gigi Hadid and Kate Moss, Howard breathes new life into the images by putting herself in front of the lens.
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“Growing up in Africa, I knew nothing about black and white, we’re all equal,” the 27-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“I believe we can be whoever we want to be, so don’t let anyone tell you’re not what you want to be. It’s about time we stand up together… dream and believe.”
Howard, who said she’s fighting for more black models to be featured on billboards and TV and movie screens, hopes her project will make the industry more accessible for up-and-coming stars.
“I would walk into various fashion model agencies and I would immediately be compared to that one or two black model that they had on the roster,” she wrote on her website.
“Even though I was told by those agencies that I have an amazing look and wish they could represent me, they already have a black model. Besides having an abundance of white models. It seemed as if one or two black models on the roster are enough to represent us all.
“Why can’t the big brands not embrace our diversity more and give all of us visibility? With this Black Mirror project I hope to show the world that it is time for all of us to be seen.”
In her project, Howard focused on brands she liked but said typically use fewer models of colour, including Chanel, Gucci, Victoria’s Secret and Calvin Klein.
She also said she didn’t mean for the images to attack the women used, merely to show that black women can do the same.
“I want them to stand up for themselves, speak up, and not shy away,” Howard told Elle when asked for her advice to young black girls.
“Don’t let anybody put you down because of your skin tone. Embrace who you are. We’re all beautiful.”
Images: Deddeh Howard/Instagram