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People hide behind the word aesthetic. They say, ‘Well…

“People hide behind the word aesthetic. They say, ‘Well, it’s just that designer’s aesthetic.’ But when you see 18 seasons in a row and not one single model outside a certain skin color…? There are people in the industry who are advocates, who support diversity. And there are people who do not. I…” quote by Joan Smalls
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“People hide behind the word aesthetic. They say, ‘Well, it’s just that designer’s aesthetic.’ But when you see 18 seasons in a row and not one single model outside a certain skin color…? There are people in the industry who are advocates, who support diversity. And there are people who do not. I don’t get it. Beauty is universal. These doors have to open,”

Joan Smalls

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker critiques superficial excuses for lack of racial diversity in fashion, urging genuine inclusion beyond aesthetic claims.

In simple terms: Fashion often hides bias behind “aesthetic.”

Key Takeaway

Demand real diversity, not tokenism.

Themes

diversity inclusion beauty standards industry critique

Mood

frustrated hopeful critical

Type

observational advocacy

When to use this quote

  • runway casting
  • advertising campaigns
  • design school curricula
  • brand hiring policies

Key Concepts

representation cultural bias systemic inequality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can brands move from token representation to true inclusion?
  • What barriers keep diverse models out of mainstream fashion?
A Different Perspective

Change requires confronting entrenched preferences, not just words.

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