Bust, waist and hips at 34-25-41 or 34-25-34 at 5 feet 3 or 5 feet 6 inches and about 150 pounds. Hardly sounds like a runway model.
Their “stylo” has traditionally been at least 5 feet 11 inches, lean and, let’s face it, white or at least damn near white until the not so recent past.
With the emergence of videos, African-American designers and clothing lines, black women are finding their way to runways and other modeling opportunities.
Late last year during Madrid Fashion Week, its organizers banned “ultra-thin” models following the death of an 18-year-old Uruguayan model who went days without eating.
Under the rules, models with a body mass index (BMI) of below 18 are not allowed to appear.
While the ban isn’t akin to the influx of “thick” and shapely black models refusing to mind the rules, there is work for this new breed of model.
When Ozone Magazine struts into Ritz Carlton Hotel Saturday, April 21, the national publication along with Black Pearl will be eyeing models of all shades, shapes and sizes.
“We’re looking for all kinds of models because we know that image of the traditional model is changing,” said Roland Page, owner of Black Pearl and organizer of the Ozone Magazine Model Search.
Models have a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize, a spread in Ozone Magazine along with their bio and contact information and will present at the magazine’s annual award show later this year on MTV.
A finale takes place April 29 at The Loft.
While Brittanie Skye, Miss May ’06 Eye Candy Model, said she isn’t all that interested in videos or being the next “big booty” in a male-targeted magazine, but hosting a TV show is right up her alley.
Brittanie Skye said it time for a change in the modeling industry.
“The average woman is my size,” said the 5 feet 6 inch aspiring model.
“We got a backside and some hips to go with everything else.”
Michelle Taylor, Miss October ’06 Eye Candy Model, said she thinks the reality of the new black model is setting in.
“I go shopping and would have to get a 14 to fit right, but now I can buy a nine,” she said.
“Clothes are now being made to fit more girls like me, especially with the expansion of black designers.”
Many local fashion shows elect atypical black models instead of seeking traditionally black models.
Dayonne of Dashe’ Couture said she just looks for models who can work her designs on the runway.
“They can model and get the point across just like any other model,” Dayonne said.
Brittanie Skye said, “I can rip a runway because I carry myself with confidence and personality and it comes through the camera and helps sell a product.”
For more information about the Ozone Model Search, call (314) 280-1528 or log on to www.ozonemagazine.com.
