Rihanna rewrites the narrative.

Why?

Because on the last Vogue cover, she wore a scarf on her head, called a durag.

Why is wearing a durag so revolutionary? 

Because a durag was a piece of scarf that black female slaves were forced to use by their “owners”, to reflect their low social status as workers. 

Originally with a dark purpose,  Rihanna is now owning it and indirectly owning a piece of Black History and rewriting it. This is a liberating process for the Black community.

Specially for black women, that for centuries were enforced euro-centric beauty standards, it is great to see that they have space to show a different narrative. 

The bad side of this, is the fact that it is 2020 and BAME communities still have to fight for space to show us their narrative, of their lives, their experiences, etc.

How can we change this?

I am a big believer that money speaks volumes. If we only buy magazines that have BAME women, then maybe Vogue (and other magazines) will understand that diversity matters. If they see they earn more money, they will recruit more BAME models for their articles, photoshoots, BAME journalists and photographers, etc. 

We all agree the Fashion industry needs a refresher. I know I am tired of the Hadid sisters and tall, white, skinny underaged girls, selling garments for women. 

I am Franca and this is personal.