This NYC-Based Non-Traditional Modeling Agency Is Dedicated To Tearing Down Tokenism
In 2019, the New York Fashion Week runways made waves after featuring the most diverse set of models yet– with about forty-eight percent being from minority groups.
Unfortunately, though, this stat doesn’t accurately reflect the representation shortfalls that occur in between annual high-publicity events like New York Fashion Week.
According to Zippia, nearly sixty-five percent of all fashion models are White. Only about fifteen percent are Hispanic or Latino; meanwhile, just ten percent are Black, and a mere five percent are Asian.
But, one non-traditional model management agency known as We Speak is working to change that.
After being founded in 2013, We Speak was the first driver pushing toward a more equitable fashion industry.
Their non-traditional approach to model management includes supporting those who are underrepresented, listening to models and the greater public on how they can be better, and working to undo tokenism.
“Tokenism is the bi-product of bias: a performative effort towards representation without including those you seek to represent in the greater conversation,” the agency said.
“Real inclusion and equality in fashion is a commitment to do better. It is a commitment not to just show Black, LGBTQ+, disabled bodies, and all age groups in advertising, but to include these and other marginalized people in the workforce and conversation.”
This can include everything from building diverse internal and managerial teams to hiring stylists who can dress and fit bodies of all shapes and sizes to engaging in meaningful conversation about shoot day experiences and making the necessary changes.
Subbotina Anna – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purpose only, not the actual person
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And so far, this New York City-based model management agency has been walking the walk. We Speak represents those who identify as women, men, and gender-fluid. The agency also manages curvy, classic, and runway models.
Perhaps the most impressive accomplishment We Speak has achieved, though, is its expansive portfolio. The agency has empowered underrepresented models to work with megabrands such as Nike, Nordstrom, Hollister, L’oreal, Revlon, Addidas, Gucci, Calvin Klein, MAC, and the list goes on.
The public has also been loving the #WeSpeakThisIsMe movement, too. The agency consistently updates its Instagram page @WeSpeakModels– which has almost twenty-five thousand followers– to celebrate the people they represent.
And most recently, on August 29, We Speak reflected on its last decade in business.
“Since We Speak emerged nearly ten years ago, a lot has changed in the world. The world has evolved. Our clients have evolved as casting directors, marketers, and brands. Models have evolved. We all have evolved,” the Instagram post began.
“We Speak exists for the underrepresented visions of beauty, for the models who deserve to be celebrated, and for the public who crave– and continue to drive– seismic industry shifts.”
To continue supporting this shift and pushing brands to level the modeling playing field, you can check out We Speak’s Instagram account linked here.
Or, to learn more about We Speak’s pledge and how to become a model, you can visit the agency’s website linked here.
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