Over 80 percent of models that were hired for New York’s Fashion Week were white, whereas they make up 63 percent of the American population. While the 17% may not seem like a huge disparity, reducing that would create the world of difference. The Sikhs have over 150 years of history in America, yet they […]

Over 80 percent of models that were hired for New York’s Fashion Week were white, whereas they make up 63 percent of the American population. While the 17% may not seem like a huge disparity, reducing that would create the world of difference.

The Sikhs have over 150 years of history in America, yet they are never featured in entertainment business, commercial advertising, or in today’s fashion. However, what they do receive is constant scrutiny for their turbans from people who automatically assume their article of faith as a symbol of terror—which is sheer ignorance.

One such brand that is blurring the lines of ethnicity and religion in their models is Eidos Napoli. It is an Italian luxury brand which focuses on making classy yet comfortable clothing for men and just that. One of their models for New York Fashion Week was Sahaj Anand—a proud American Sikh who will start Emory University this fall. Sahaj told me, “Most people who asked me to model [previously] wanted me to remove my turban and show my hair.” When asked how his experience was different this time, he stated that it was great since Eidos Napoli “wanted [him] to keep [his] articles of faith intact.” Not only did this make him feel comfortable, but it proved to him that he did not have to compromise his beliefs to follow his dreams.

If an Italian brand can do this, why can’t more American brands?

Source- www.theodysseyonline.com