Maki Oh uses only models of color for its NYFW show

By

Emily Jensen

Published
Sep 14, 2017

The fashion label founded by Nigerian designer Maki Osakwe hired exclusively models of color for its Spring 2018 show.

As diversity and inclusivity continues to be an important issue across the fashion world, Maki Oh made a statement on the importance of women of color with its latest show at New York Fashion Week.
 
Osakwe cast only models of color for her Spring 2018 collection; the Nigerian designer has included diverse women in her lineup since debuting her line in the United States in 2016. While many designers continue to face criticism for using predominantly or exclusively white models, Osakwe used only non-white models in her Wednesday show.

Osakwe also allowed the models to wear their hair in its natural texture, using a dry oil mist and bobby pins to emphasize their curls. Tia Hebron did the makeup for the show, using Bobbi Brown products.
 
Issues of representation have become a talking point across the fashion world, from mass-market retailers to high-end labels. Marc Jacobs was criticized for casting primarily white models in his Spring 2017 shows, which also gave models colorful dreadlocks. The designer included a more diverse lineup in both his Fall 2017 runway show and campaign, which took its inspiration from hip-hop.
 
The conversation around diversity has also heavily affected the beauty industry. Rihanna earned praise for the diverse shades included in the launch of her new makeup brand, Fenty Beauty, while L’Oréal fired model Munroe Bergdorf when she spoke out against white supremacy.