The cynic in all of us wondered whether the push for racial diversity in fashion last runway season would be just a fad in this fickle industry and would not bring any actual long-lasting changes. Although designers have yet to prove that they were serious about wanting more diversity in their runway shows, one thing is for sure: the Spring 2014 season has brought so many gorgeous ethnic newcomers on the scene who the industry just cannot possibly ignore. Malaika Firth has taken the industry by storm after scoring the Prada Fall 2013 campaign, Kai Newman was one of the standouts in prestigious shows such as Calvin Klein and Gucci, Cindy Bruna appeared on a Vogue Italia cover and was the only newcomer to get two looks in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and just last week we reported on Riley, the stunning new face who landed a spot in the new Givenchy campaign. But there is another girl who is ready to dominate editorial pages campaigns and runways: Imaan Hammam.
Predicted by forum members to be one of the hottest new faces of Spring 2014, the Dutch model of Egyptian and Moroccan descent did not disappoint. She followed a Givenchy runway exclusive with an appearance in Vogue Italia and is rumored to be in a blue chip campaign for Spring 2014. In the January issue of US Vogue, the beauty is the star of not one but two editorials. In “More Is More,” lensed by Craig McDean, she models looks from the Resort 2014 collections. And in “Flower Girls” (by Mikael Jansson), she stars alongside actor Oscar Isaac and model Liya Kebede. Forum members were impressed.
“Two editorials in US Vogue?! This girl’s career is just beginning, a face and body like that can only destine her for stardom,” wrote teaars.
And TheoG posted, “She looks absolutely captivating in Flower Girl with Liya. I don’t think I have ever been as excited by a girl in the industry now as I am with Imaan.”
“What a star!!! Bleeding hell… I hope to see her in some major ad this season and possibly on a cover. Can’t wait to see her career develop into a long and prosperous one,” shared Mr-Dale.
And lebigt summarized, “So, recap: Break out opening slot exclusive for Givenchy. Vogue Italia by Meisel. 2 eds in American Vogue. #ASTARISBORN.”
The ‘risk’ that many agencies took by debuting more ethnic girls than usual this season and developing them for a high fashion rather than a commercial career certainly paid off. We are excited to see such a variety of beauty on the pages of Vogue these days. And if these absolutely stunning new faces aren’t another perfect argument for more diversity in fashion, then I don’t know what is.
