In previous posts I have mentioned the hegemony that is ever so present in the fashion industry. But what about those who have marginalized for so long that are now breaking through? This post will look at two models that have the odds stacked against them but are proving everyone wrong. These models are Shaun Ross and Chantelle Brown-Young.
First, let's define what it means to be marginalized. Marginalization is the exclusion from meaningful participation in society, proving to be one of the most dangerous forms of oppression. Ross and Young-Brown are most definitely part of a marginalized group; they are both people of color with skin disorders.
First, let's define what it means to be marginalized. Marginalization is the exclusion from meaningful participation in society, proving to be one of the most dangerous forms of oppression. Ross and Young-Brown are most definitely part of a marginalized group; they are both people of color with skin disorders.
Ross, 24, is the first albino male model. Not only is he a model but he is also a dancer and an actor. He was discovered on YouTube at the age of 16 and his modeling career took off.
Because the norm in fashion is white and basically genetically perfect, it is easy to think Ross’s race and skin disorder would put him at a disadvantage. He has previously opened up about the physical and emotional abuse he endured while growing up because of his looks. Currently, he uses his differences to his advantage.
If modeling scouts or casting directors are looking to go outside the norm, Ross can fulfill this need. In the article, “Fashion’s Latest Trend: Pushing the Boundaries of Beauty with Intersectional Identities,” author Emily Lau writes, “As casting directors began hiring models outside the stereotypical mold, Ross appeared and offered them an invaluable chance to hire a spectacularly unique model to become their poster boy for progress and diversity in the world of beauty.” Ross is a great example of those who may have been oppressed before, getting recognized and getting to represent a marginalized group.
The second model representing this group is Jamaican 21 year-old, Chantelle Brown-Young, known professional as Winnie Harlow. Tyra Banks found her on Instagram and had her as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model. She placed sixth in the competition and has gone on to have a successful modeling career.
What makes Harlow different is her skin condition call vitiligo, which causes portions of the skin to lose their pigmentation. Like Ross, she was bullied and eventually dropped out a high school. Soon after she accepted her body and capitalized on being different.
After America’s Next Top Model, she became the face of the Spanish fashion company, Disigual. In an interview with the New York Post she said, “Desigual stands for being unusual and unique and atypical, so they figured I'd be the perfect person for that.” She is thriving in a place where her differences are celebrated, not shut out.
"Peering" into the Future
Ross’s and Harlow’s success happened because they are different from the norm. They are able to represent those that have not been able to participate in the fashion industry based on the way they look. I commend companies like Disigual and others hiring Ross and Harlow because they are breaking the mold of what it means to be beautiful. These groups that were once excluded are now gaining popularity and their differences can be celebrated on the runway. Harlow says this, “Everyone can relate to being different. It’s not just me trying to be a role model. It’s my genuine opinion that it’s those quirks that make you gorgeous. Let whatever quirks you have shine.”
Works Cited
Because the norm in fashion is white and basically genetically perfect, it is easy to think Ross’s race and skin disorder would put him at a disadvantage. He has previously opened up about the physical and emotional abuse he endured while growing up because of his looks. Currently, he uses his differences to his advantage.
If modeling scouts or casting directors are looking to go outside the norm, Ross can fulfill this need. In the article, “Fashion’s Latest Trend: Pushing the Boundaries of Beauty with Intersectional Identities,” author Emily Lau writes, “As casting directors began hiring models outside the stereotypical mold, Ross appeared and offered them an invaluable chance to hire a spectacularly unique model to become their poster boy for progress and diversity in the world of beauty.” Ross is a great example of those who may have been oppressed before, getting recognized and getting to represent a marginalized group.
The second model representing this group is Jamaican 21 year-old, Chantelle Brown-Young, known professional as Winnie Harlow. Tyra Banks found her on Instagram and had her as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model. She placed sixth in the competition and has gone on to have a successful modeling career.
What makes Harlow different is her skin condition call vitiligo, which causes portions of the skin to lose their pigmentation. Like Ross, she was bullied and eventually dropped out a high school. Soon after she accepted her body and capitalized on being different.
After America’s Next Top Model, she became the face of the Spanish fashion company, Disigual. In an interview with the New York Post she said, “Desigual stands for being unusual and unique and atypical, so they figured I'd be the perfect person for that.” She is thriving in a place where her differences are celebrated, not shut out.
"Peering" into the Future
Ross’s and Harlow’s success happened because they are different from the norm. They are able to represent those that have not been able to participate in the fashion industry based on the way they look. I commend companies like Disigual and others hiring Ross and Harlow because they are breaking the mold of what it means to be beautiful. These groups that were once excluded are now gaining popularity and their differences can be celebrated on the runway. Harlow says this, “Everyone can relate to being different. It’s not just me trying to be a role model. It’s my genuine opinion that it’s those quirks that make you gorgeous. Let whatever quirks you have shine.”
Works Cited