'African Queen' editorial uses white model
French fashion magazine features white teen model painted in blackface.
The fashion world has been known to push the boundaries of what’s socially acceptable and without a doubt, stir controversy.
In the March 2013 issue of Numéro magazine, 16-year-old white model Ondria Hardin appears drenched in a very deep bronze for a fashion spread called "African Queen,” reports Jezebel.com.
More from Simply Chic: Are Thin Models Going Out of Style?
Hello! This would have been the perfect opportunity to hire a black model, as there are fewer job opportunities for non-white models. Eighty-two percent of the models at New York Fashion Week this season were white, cites Jezebel.
More than 150 people have commented on author Laura Beck’s article, including this one from “fashionlady”
“Can I just say as a young black model (I'm a girl) having worked my ass for the past 3 years, this hurts my soul. I'm happy for Ondria as a person but the amount of times I have been told ‘oh sorry we already have a black girl that looks like you’ or ‘most of our clients dont hire black girls, sorry’ and then I see THIS, it pisses me off! There are so many beauitful black models out there working TWICE as hard for barely half the recognition and the only time they give a shit about us is when they need our dark skin for some ‘ethnic’ photo shoot and in this case with Ondria, they couldn't even be bothered. Can I see a black girl do SCANDANAVIAN PRINCESS please? Hmmm?”
More from Living: How to look slimmer — instantly!
This is not the first incident a magazine has caused a cultural stir.
In 2009, Vogue was accused of racism for using photos of white model, Lara Stone, with her face and body darkened in brown make-up.
Do you think it’s okay to use a white teen model in an "African Queen" spread?
Bing: Fashion advertising controversies
More from Simply Chic:
Ralph Lauren Hires First Plus-Size Model
What Would Barbie's Proportions Look Like on a Real Woman?
What makes women feel their sexiest?
fashion: trends & must-haves for your wardrobe
-
The lazy girl’s beach-body guide
Go ahead, let ‘em think you’ve been killing it at the gym. We won’t tell anyone you did it all with Glamour’s secret beauty and fashion shortcuts!
-
Statement sunglasses
Shades are the It accessory this spring. Pick a pair that says something about you.
-
The sexiest swimsuits for summer
Bathing suit shopping isn’t scary anymore with our guide to finding the best fit for your body. Bring on the three-way mirror!
-
Day-to-night looks for your swimsuit
Yes, really! A one-piece can go beyond the beach (think of it like a bodysuit). Fashion director Evyan Metzner shows you how to pull it off.
-
Six of the most annoying dress codes, decoded!
I’m all for people getting creative with their party décor, but not so much with their dress code description. (Unless, you know, it’s a theme party.) Island fancy, mountain chic, dress for the summer solstice (?!): these are all real dress decrees I’ve been given and all ones that immediately sent me into Gchat-polling madness to figure out what the hell the host was trying to tell me.
-
Shorts For every body! Find which fit works best for you
If Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel agreed to dress me one morning, it’d mostly go well. I’d stand soggy-haired in my towel as she grabbed black jackets, simple silk button-downs and menswear-inspired trousers from my closet, laying out each option on my bed. Yes, yes, yes, all good choices.
