Black model recreates ad campaigns to encourage diversity in fashion
Howard holds her own against the beautiful Gisele Bundchen in a Vivara ad.
Black model recreates ad campaigns to encourage diversity in fashion
Howard looking just as stunning as Candice Swanepoel in this Victoria’s Secret campaign.
Black model recreates ad campaigns to encourage diversity in fashion
Black girls wear sunglassess too, Dolce and Gabanna. Here’s Howard replacing Bianca Balti in an eyewear campaign.
Black model recreates ad campaigns to encourage diversity in fashion
Twice the amount of bad-a**ery in this photo!
Black model recreates ad campaigns to encourage diversity in fashion
Howard poses as Kendall Jenner in this racy Calvin Klein ad.
Black model recreates ad campaigns to encourage diversity in fashion
Twinning with Linda Evangelista in a Chanel eyewear campaign.
Black model recreates ad campaigns to encourage diversity in fashion
Howard and photographer Raffael Dickreuter absolutely nail the details in this Louis Vuitton campaign with Michelle Williams.
Black model recreates ad campaigns to encourage diversity in fashion
Howard can rock a red lip just as well as Abbey Lee Kershaw.
Black model recreates ad campaigns to encourage diversity in fashion
Howard takes on the iconic Kate Moss in this David Yurman advertisement.
[Photos: Raffael Dickreuter, raffael3d.com, Model: Deddeh Howard, secretofdd.com]
Jasmine Tookes may have rocked the
$3 million Fantasy Bra down the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway and
Michelle Obama may have graced the cover of Vogue's December issue, but look at any billboard of magazine ad and it's clear that diversity is still lacking in the fashion industry.
Deddeh Howard, a Los-Angeles based model who was born and raised in Liberia, West Africa, is well aware of the problem and is calling the industry out with a photo series titled "
Black Mirror." In it, Howard works with photographer Raffael Dickreuter to recreate major fashion campaigns that feature white models like Gigi Hadid, Gisele Bundchen and Kendall Jenner.
On
her site, Howard explains she was driven to create the series by her personal frustrations.
"Not too long ago it happened to me that 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. 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," she writes. "It seemed as if one or two black models on the roster are enough to represent us all."
Since posting a couple of images on
Instagram yesterday, Howard has received thousands of likes and comments, most of which echo her sentiments.
“These are amazing. You should definitely do more, and fashion houses and media need to have a glimpse at this reality,” writes one commenter.
“Beautiful! Such a strong message,” writes another.
“The visibility on these commercials and billboards matter as much as having elected a first black President. The next generation can only get inspired and reach for the stars themselves if they believe they can do it too,” writes Howard. “With this Black Mirror project I hope to show the world that it is time for all of us being seen.”
What do you think of Howard’s recreations? Let us know by tweeting us
@YahooStyleCA.
