Black Mirror: African model throws a spotlight (and shade) on fashion industry…

Her name is Deddeh Howard and if you haven’t seen her Instagram page, we recommend you take a look. Not only is she a stunning model in her own right, she is using her platform to draw more attention to the need for diversity in the modeling and fashion industries. Deddeh Howard says she is calling for visibility of black models, and is doing so by recreating some of today’s biggest designer campaigns, taking the place of stars like Gisele Bundchen, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Kate Moss.

Howard says: “Growing up in Africa, I knew nothing about Black and White, we’re all equal, it was United we stand! At least that’s what my parents thought me and that’s what I believe in. I believe we can be whoever we want to be, so don’t let anyone tell you’re not what you want to be. If they can do it! So can you. It’s about time we stand up together..Dream and Believe. I’m personally fighting for more diversity especially more black models to be seen on bill boards, movies, TV commercials, advertisements etc for us all.”

Check out her killer shots below:

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything! Stand up and make progress!!#blackmirror Thanks to @raffaelphoto_com @donlemast1 and @kiwiindianmotorcycles #blackmirrorchallenge

A photo posted by Deddeh Howard (@secretofdd) on Dec 8, 2016 at 9:49pm PST

Answer to your questions: #blackmirror ; The two images all being shown together should really show that we all have a place, that we all belong and should be visible!! Thanks for all the love Photo credit @raffaelphoto_com Makeup and hair by: @dgbyjd Hair by: @melissahoylehair A photo posted by Deddeh Howard (@secretofdd) on Dec 7, 2016 at 11:13pm PST

What do you mean you already have 2 to 5 black models that looks like me? Did you say the same thing to the 50-100 white models you already have? If @kendalljenner can do it, so can me or any other race!! Here is my prof, so open your eyes and see that Fashion is not black or white! Life is not black or white. I’m just like her. #blackmirror #blackmodelsmatter Right guys? Photo credit: @raffaelphoto_com Makeup and hair by: @dgbyjd Hair by: @melissahoylehair

A photo posted by Deddeh Howard (@secretofdd) on Dec 6, 2016 at 11:51pm PST

Growing up in Africa, I knew nothing about Black and White, we’re all equal, it was United we stand! At least that’s what my parents thought me and that’s what I believe in. I believe we can be whoever we want to be, so don’t let anyone tell you’re not what you want to be. If they can do it! So can you. It’s about time we stand up together..Dream and Believe. I’m personally fighting for more diversity especially more black models to be seen on bill boards, movies, TV commercials, advertisements etc for us all. #blackmirrow. Full Article now on the blog at www.secretofdd.com ( line in bio). Photo credit: @raffaelphoto_com Makeup and hair by: @dgbyjd Hair by: @melissahoylehair A photo posted by Deddeh Howard (@secretofdd) on Dec 6, 2016 at 3:56pm PST