Jourdan Dunn vs Kendall Jenner: Issues within the modeling industry

Now,  I am not one to follow trending mainstream media stories as half the time, they simply aren't true. Not to mention, I never watch the annual Victoria's Secret Show. However, the 'alleged' dismissal of Jourdan Dunn, to make room for Kendall Jenner brings light to a much bigger issue! The notion that white privilege is clearly prevalent in the modeling industry.

Being born a female, and a black female at that, in a world full of unfair paradigms is hard enough. Imagine, tirelessly building your career from scratch, in a world that dictates an unrealistic idea of beauty, only to have a white model, who was born rich with a career that hasn't even reached 50% of your accomplishments, unrightfully 'replace' you. I can't. The sad truth is that this isn't the first time a black model's career and/or beauty has been undermined for someone totally mediocre, and even worse, probably wont be the last. I have nothing against Kendall Jenner, but in all honesty, anyone that tries to argue the fact that her career wasn't already a success before she was even born is a liar. She was born in to wealth, born in to privilege, born in to a family, that now, has a cult-like following for reasons unknown to many. Therefore, Kendall earning her spot to walk in the Victoria's Secret show has nothing to do with hard work, and everything to do with privilege.

Similarly, in Australia, the diversity of models is seriously lacking! Although I have done some modeling here and there, I have never bothered to take it that seriously, as I know for a fact that my success story would not be in Australia. To get any type of decent castings/jobs here as a black model, you either have to be mixed (light skinned, curly-haired), or extremely dark skinned. There is no in between. I guess there is some ridiculous idea that there is only 1 type of 'black beauty'. The next time you watch a commercial, count how many black models you see. I can almost guarantee there wouldn't be more than 1 at a time. Apart from the rare 1 that's thrown in from time to time, to keep the black race happy, and feeling 'accepted'.

This may simply be my opinion based solely on experience and observation, however, I pray I see the day that the colour of one's skin doesn't automatically hinder their chance for an opportunity. Not just in modeling, but life in general. Not just in Australia, but the world.

                  

                      

~Posted by Vanessa

'Back 2 School': Charity Donation, Ghana

God has blessed me beyond my needs, which is why I believe so strongly in paying it forward and giving back to those who aren't as fortunate. I am extremely in love with Ghana, passionate about the youth and supporting their needs, especially considering they are the future of Ghana. I was inspired to create a 'Back 2 School' drive from observing Eudoxie's (rapper & actor Ludacris' wife) charity work (Unspoken Angels) in her homeland, Gabon. In addition to sharing the the same passion for philanthropy and Ghana with a close friend, Akua Aboagye, a simple conversation was the only thing needed to get started. Akua and I (with the appreciated donations and support from family and friends) researched possibilities tirelessly before we put together a school pack that consisted of pens, pencils, rubbers, sharpeners, notebooks and a backpack for 100 odd students. The Noyaa Association (Ghana) is an intervention-based school in the coastal community of Jamestown. It is dedicated to providing education to children who are not formally enrolled in the Ghana Education System. To prevent their academic decline and from falling behind their developmental competencies, the children are admitted into the Noyaa Ghana program.

Noyaa's curriculum is strategically designed to provide a baseline education for street children in the coastal community of Jamestown, Accra. The curriculum strategically prepares the students to read, reason logically and learn basic mathematics in order to transfer them into a local government school at Level Six JHS.

Akua and I hope this is just the beginning of our giving journey, and that others will take the initiative to pay it forward, no matter how big or small. 

To learn more about Noyaa, or donate, visit their website: www.noyaaghana.org

   
   
                       
                       

                

 

THANK YOU, to those who donated: 

-Aminata Kamara

-Coconsa (Senah and Linda Fiamanya)

-Kwame Agyeman 

-Latoya Amankwatia 

Photo Credit- @shutterbuggh

~Posted by Vanessa 

Gold Coast / Surfers Paradise

When you get so consumed in all the ups and downs life throws at you, it is so important to just STOP ! Whether it's for an hour, a day, a week. This was my simple reasoning behind my impromptu trip to Gold Coast with my cousin. It was short and sweet, but I didn't even know how much I needed it. It's the simple things like laying on the beach, and soaking up an endless amount of sun that can sometimes make all the difference...

Highlights  

Parasailing 

Tallebudgera Creek

Gold Coast Botanic Gardens 

Urban Paradise Art Gallery 

Thrift Shopping 

                     

                     

                                        

                                        

                                        

                                                        

Review: Jord Watches

JORD WATCHES X 2BLAZIN SHEILAS 

 Jord Watches is a unique brand that intricately uses wood as their main component, to produce beautiful, simple, sustainable and timeless watches. Jord kindly gifted us with watches of our choice. With Australia getting colder by the day, whilst America is warming up, we thought it would be cool to do a shoot showcasing the watches, juxtaposed by our opposing seasons. 

What we LOVE about Jord Watches:

~The packaging! It comes nicely presented in a wooden box, matched with a small pillow
~Their collection of watches varies to suit different skin tones
~The designs are simple enough for everyday use
~The uniqueness of the wood aspect (can be worn with everything)
~The closure is really secure
~The average cost of the watches is reasonable. For all watch lovers that appreciate quality and style, you will appreciate Jord!
~Decent selection range for both men and women
~Delivery is fast and Jord updates you every step of the way

While we didn't have any complaints with our watches, when ordering, make sure you provide Jord with the exact  measurements of your wrist to avoid the hassle of resizing like we had to. Jord Watches kindly size the watch prior to shipping it out.

www.woodwatches.com

Our shoot below :)

~Posted by Olympia & Vanessa 

Why I will never be a "proud" Australian or American

I recently stumbled across this fantastic article when trying to find the right words to explain what is so wrong about the way many Australians celebrate Australia Day (which just came around on January 26). Australia Day, for any who don't know, essentially celebrates the anniversary of the invasion or "discovery"/"arriving"/"settling" (depending on how you see it) of white people in Australia in 1788. In contemporary Australia, many interpret it as a day to appreciate living in/being from Australia and enjoying the many freedoms that may come along with that.
While I understand that many people do not have ill intentions with their temporary tattoo Australian flags on their face, excessive drinking or their parading through the streets waving the flag,  I think it is important to remain critical of Australian society and to fully understand the implications of what happened in 1788. It is also sickening to see the continual reports every year on the gang violence that tends to occur more often on Australia Day.

It is a refreshing concept to consider multiculturalism in Australia, however I do believe that Australian identity is still tied to whiteness. As a blonde-haired, light-eyed, white woman, whenever I am abroad I am easily 'accepted' as Australian. However, sometimes when people abroad see pictures of my non-white friends, the question comes up: "Are they Australian too?" Although one of my parents is Australian-born and I grew up mainly in Australia, I have never felt tied to or "proud" to be Australian. Instead, I have always found Australian patriotism to seem like a blind eye turned to the people in Australia who DO NOT enjoy the freedoms; native people, refugees, many who are discriminated against for not "looking Australian" (see: Cronulla riots).

So I can be grateful to have lived in countries like Australia and the U.S. where I can enjoy certain liberties, BUT... I will NEVER wave a flag proudly as to some it is a symbol of pain and loss. I will NEVER assume that others who don't look like me or don't share my background have the same freedoms as me. I will certainly NEVER forget what really happened on "Australia Day" and what consequences still live on. Until we bring national attention and recognition to issues like deaths in custody, the concentration camps that once existed in Australia, employer discrimination (the list can go on...), I cannot be a "proud Australian".

"In the (Australian) anthem you’ll find no mention of stolen land – everything is young and new. And as I watch people around the country celebrate the myth that is Australia, I am given the option to either join in or shut up. Well I refuse to celebrate, and every Australia Day my heart is broken as I am reminded that in the eyes of many, I am not welcome on my own land."- Nakkiah Lui

"Most Australians don't know – or don't want to know – about the extent of the violence that accompanied European colonial settlement and that is still synonymous for black Australia with Australia Day."- Paul Daley

Image credit: http://www.lovefreo.com/2009/11/19/graffiti-gramophone-fernando-and-flag/#respond

- Posted by Olympia