In the mainstream fashion industry, we all know that very thin is the “ideal” – and that even when big brands dip a toe into body positivity they still push ideas of “acceptable fat” + “curves in the right places” – but have you also stopped to take a look at the lack of racial diversity?
Although we live in a multicultural world – and although America is a supposed “melting pot” – we are still bound to nonsensical beauty standards being tied to light + white skin. We continue to separate, to “other” people, to hold certain bodies higher than others. We cheer “body positivity” – which was created from fat acceptance, which was created by incredible women + femmes of color – yet you see small plus and thin white women getting the mainstream fame + acclaim.
That is not the radical self love revolution we signed up for. Ours includes everyone. Our All actually means All. And that means not just including but highlighting babes of color.
I receive many emails from those who stumble upon SG’s site – thanking me for the accurate representation. For the plus size bodies, for the disabled bodies. But I also receive emails saying – thank you for having happy, smiling, black women + femmes proudly on your home page. Representation matters. People of color matter. Black lives matter. #AllMeansAll
