Black model calls out unprepared make-up artists

While there is more diversity on the runways these days, when it comes to race, the fashion industry still has a way to go. Yesterday British model Leomie Anderson, who is currently in New York for Fashion Week, made this clear when she took to Twitter after a make-up artist didn’t have the necessary products for her skin tone.

“Of course I get given to the make-up artist who had ONE brown foundation she was trying to mix with white on (the) sly because she’s not equipped,” tweeted the model, who walked for Jeremy Scott earlier this week. “Had to ask her straight ‘do you have foundation for my skin tone orrrr?’ My girl started sweating and said ‘I like to mix brands’”. She also tweeted a picture of the selection of foundations that this make-up artist did have, captioning it, “Here are her foundations yet she confidentially (sic) put her hand up to take me in her chair.”

Anderson, who appeared in Channel 4 series The Model Agency in 2011, proceeded to share some of the difficulties that she and her fellow models of colour encounter in the industry, and to call for a change in the industry. “Why can a white model confidentially sit in anyone's chair and feel confident they'll look okay but black models have to worry?” she tweeted, “WE NEED MORE MAKE-UP ARTISTS AND HAIR WHO ARE COMPETENT WITH ALL RACES BACKSTAGE AT SHOWS.”

This isn’t the first time Anderson has called out fashion’s shortcomings. Last year, in a BBC interview she said, “I definitely feel that there has been a lot of improvement in the industry with (the) use of black models, but I would definitely say that it has a long way to go especially with regards to shade. Lighter skinned girls get more work than darker skinned girls.”

As for the problem of ill-prepared make-up artists, Anderson isn’t the first model to speak out. Just six months ago Sudanese model Nykhor Paul took to Instagram for the same reason, writing, “Dear white people in the fashion world! Please don't take this the wrong way but it’s time you people get your shit right when it comes to our complexion! Why do I have to bring my own make-up to a professional show...?”