Fashion

Jourdan Dunn & Malaika Firth's BFA Nods Are Huge

by Alexa Tucker

The British Fashion Awards are making a major statement with the announcement of this year's nominees. Beautiful Brits Jourdan Dunn and Malaika Firth are nominated for Model of the Year, making Georgia May Jagger the minority in the three-nominee category. Two gorgeous black models outnumbering one (also gorgeous) white model is huge when it comes to moving towards equality in the fashion industry, and this acknowledgment is a much-needed step in the right direction.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I read and write a lot about diversity in the fashion industry, and a lot of the facts out there regarding minorities are not so positive and, frankly, disappointing. We can do better, and the British Fashion Council is stating its agreement without saying a word. Action means so much more, and this is definitely action.

As for the winner, we'll have to wait until the ceremony takes place on Nov. 23 to find out, but all three candidates are undoubtedly deserving. Dunn won Model of the Year back in 2008, and she's been killing it ever since, appearing in campaigns and catwalks everywhere you look. Even more amazing? She's a single mom. Talk about an inspiration.

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Malaika Firth, who's actually Kenyan born, UK raised, isn't exactly slacking either. In 2013, she became the first black model to star in a campaign for Prada since Naomi Campbell in 1994. Since then, she's walked in shows including Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Victoria's Secret, and more.

Earlier this year, though, she made headlines by declaring that racism in the modeling industry should be ignored — perhaps not the best way to describe her thoughts, but should she win the award, I hope she'll use her acceptance speech as an opportunity to clarify.

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Even though it's incredible that two black models made the nominee list, Georgia May Jagger's nothing to scoff at. Her signature front tooth gap is the perfect example that your "imperfections" are what can make you unique and beautiful.

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No matter who wins, just the fact the the nominations are working in the favor of minority models is pretty major. Props, British Fashion Council.