Zac Posen Declares ‘Black Models Matter’ For FW16.

Zac Posen Black Fashion Models

Designer Zac Posen decided to make a statement for his Fall 2016 collection. The designer declared “Black Models Matter” on Instagram earlier this week and shared images of a mood board featuring images of black fashion models from the 60’s and 70’s.

The mood boards for #ZacPosen #FW16 #NYFW @cfda @nyfw

A photo posted by @zacposen on

Posen was also inspired by Princess Elizabeth of Toro, a Ugandan lawyer who became the first East African woman to be admitted to the English bar. Elizabeth of Toro was also a successful model. She covered Vogue in 1968, and featured in a now iconic issue of Life Magazine celebrating the rise of black models, in 1969. She also briefly served as a foreign minister in the 1970’s.

Under the direction of Maida & Rami, a casting agency that has come under fire in the past for a lack of diversity, Zac Posen sent Aya Jones, Aamito Lagum, Cindy Bruna, Riley Montana and Grace Bol down the runway in jewel tones, light wools, and knits. Ugandan-born Lagum closed out the show.


Zac Posen Black Fashion Models

Zac Posen Black Fashion Models

Zac Posen Black Fashion Models

Zac Posen Black Fashion Models

Zac Posen Black Fashion Models

Zac Posen Black Fashion Models

Zac Posen Black Fashion Models

Zac Posen Black Fashion Models

Zac Posen Black Fashion Models