Instagram looks to highlight lack of diversity in fashion industry with #RunwayForAll campaign
Instagram is looking to address the lack of diversity in the fashion industry using its #RunwayForAll campaign, which is being run from its own account on the platform.
Over the course of the week the social network has been posting the images and stories of models who are breaking away from convention to its 162 million followers.
Each model featured is being asked to detail what led them into the world of fashion, from blogger Mama Cax (pictured above) who had her leg amputated aged 18, to gay model Shaun Ross, who has albinism.
Alongside pictures of the selected stars, the campaign is sharing their quotes with the hope of opening up a global conversation around diversity and encouraging others to share their experiences.
Also featured so far are plus-size model Clémentine Desseaux, who was recently cast in a Christian Louboutin lipstick campaign and Londone Myers who has worked with Chanel.
"Our goal is to highlight some of the bravest and most creative models on Instagram who are building their own audiences and telling their own stories," Instagram's fashion and arts community lead, Kristen Joy Watts, told Refinery29.
"These breakout stars aren't conforming to the industry's traditional mold and, in fact, are redefining it,” she added.
Earlier this year, Beyoncé’s online store chose diversity campaigner and model Jillian Mercado to front the A-lister's 'Formation' collection of t-shirts and sweaters.
Mercado, who has muscular dystrophy, said at the time she "was very hesitant," to take the job, but was keen to highlight the under-representation of models with disabilities within the fashion world.
"I wasn’t sure about showing everyone my world because I didn’t know if there would be an audience. We’ve been brainwashed [as a society] not to care about someone who has a disability, or their world," she said.