22
Feb 10
One of my dearest friends, Phuong, recently mentioned to me that she wanted what she called an “Asian Afro.” When I saw this editorial in the March issue of Marie Claire I immediately thought of her request. Phuong, I think you could totally rock this!
As much as I love these photos and applaud Marie Claire’s effort to use more diverse women in their pages, I cannot help but reflect on the absence of curls in popular women’s magazines. When curls do appear, they’re almost treated as a novelty and rarely shown on people who are born with naturally curly hair.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
more images after the break
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LABELS: Asian Models, Hair Politics, The Asian Afro, This Goes Out to Phuong
24
Nov 09
When I read the news that model Daul Kim was found dead in her Paris apartment an air of sadness loomed over me. For her family and friends who have lost her, I am sure words cannot even describe their pain.
What makes this story most morose is that another young woman has taken her life and the discourse as to why has barely scratched the surface. Reporters have turned to her now private/locked blog Iliketoforkmyself for answers but so many seem to already be staring them in the face. This year alone we have heard from 3 different top models on how difficult their lives have been in the oh-so-glamourous world of modeling. They, like us, are taught to believe that there’s no changing the industry and if you cannot cut it, you’re skin isn’t thick enough.
In 2009 Ali Michael openly discussed her eating disorder, Crystal Renn wrote a memoir about the pressures for perfection and Sara Ziff produced a documentary film which exposed models being plucked from obscurity, told not to eat, given drugs, and pressured to endure sexual assault. This is certainly not the life I’d wish upon anyone. Accountability? Why hasn’t this word been mentioned?
Many who consume and live for high fashion fail to notice that the models they’re worshiping are merely children, as was Daul when she entered this business. She died at age 20.
Lonely, deprived, overworked, and incredibly young. If we love these models so much why don’t we do them a favor and have a real discussion.
LABELS: Asian Models, Daul Kim, R.I.P, You Will Be Missed
05
Sep 08
If you have taken any class within a cultural studies context or have managed to become socially conscious, you probably share with the Fashion Intel the ability to spot a binary from a mile away. No matter the greatness of these clothes nor the beauty of the photography, it is evident to the conscious eye we have a lightly veiled theme of master and servant. Many have demanded visibility for more diverse models, positing participation in editorial spreads rather than acting as scenery, but surely this is not the kind of representation we desired.
New York Magazine is one of my favorites to read and they have by far the best blogs on the internet [see The Cut], but apparently they didn’t get the memo that Asian women have the capability to do more than simply serve white women. I love Fall Fashion spreads, but not when they continue to perpetuate racist images.
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LABELS: Asian American Women, Asian Models, Fall Fashion, Models, NY Mag
