Aaron Philip (Photo Credit: Dazeddigital.com)
The fashion industry is notorious for changing seasons like the weather. It is a business that many have come to attach the quote: "One day you are in, and the next you are out" to. It is also an industry that is widely responsible for the representation of the many faces we see circulating throughout the media. From magazines, to runways, to advertisements and commercials, chances are you have seen the face of not just a model, but a model who is being represented by an agency. Perhaps we might be asking ourselves at this point, why does it matter? I would like to try to answer this in one sentence: representation in the fashion industry is still a work in progress. For as long as the fashion industry has been thriving, we have seen the many of faces constantly being switched up on billboards and blockbuster posters, and they have long only shown one face that most definitely does not fit all. The point to be made here, is that when it comes to fashion, moments come and go, but one person remains the same, and her name is quickly changing the way that LGBTQ+ representation is being made in the world of high fashion. If you have not heard the name, Aaron Philip, then I hope that this blogpost will serve as a great first introduction to a model who is not only deserving of our attention, but just as rightfully, commands it on the spot! Aaron Philip has been making a name for herself, having become the first black, transgendered model to sign with a leading agency. Let me repeat that... Aaron Philip is the first black, transgendered model to sign with a top agency.
It is not everyday that the world gets to see a model like Aaron Philip grace the cover of a magazine or get recognition for their achievements, especially when they are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Aaron Philip is not only transgender, but is physically disabled and has been making huge breakthroughs in the fashion industry at just nineteen years old. I would also like to highlight the fact that Aaron Philip did not just become an overnight sensation - she built her dreams from the ground up. From an early age, Aaron Philip committed herself to the craft of creativity and self expression, dedicating herself to not only her talents, but to being herself as well. In addition to her modeling career, Aaron Philip is also known for having published her written work as early as fourteen years old. Her co-written memoir with Tanya Bolden, This Kid Can Fly: It's About Ability (NOT Disability) offers readers a glimpse into the inspirational life of Aaron Philip, influencing others through the obstacles that did not stop her from pursuing her dreams or continuing her journey to fame.
Aaron Philip (Photo Credit: Gmag.com)
And dreaming she did. From as early as high school, Aaron Philip had aspirations to become a model and had already taken a strong awareness for the lack of representation happening within the fashion industry, especially when it came to those who were trans women of color and physically disabled. Not long thereafter, she was discovered through social media and since that time, she has influenced the fashion industry and changed the way that representation is taking place in the media light for the LGBTQ+ community. What might also be something of interest to consider, is that Aaron Philip does not see herself as an activist, but definitely someone who cares deeply for the promotion and growth of representation - a very humbling quality about her as well. However, I would argue that Aaron Philip is not only an activist, but a superstar, or should I say, superhero for the way that she has never allowed anything in life from stopping her from reaching her goals and fulfilling her dreams. All of the contributions that she has made (and is currently making) are only making her more and more of a role model to look to for inspiration. Seeing a model like Aaron Philip in the world of fashion is important because it gives us hope that we are heading in the right direction for change, recognition, and yes, representation where it rightfully should be.
Aaron Philip (Photo Credit: Officemagazine.net)
I think it is role models like Aaron Philip who are not only changing the world, but allowing the world to continue a conversation about representation that too often times gets put on hold. And it is definitely those like Aaron Philip who are not only making an impact in front of the lens, but behind the scenes as well, as she is clearly only going to be expanding the horizons for not only herself, but the entire world and LGBTQ+ community. Her face is one that we should all start expecting to see more of (if we have not already, that is). Keeping an eye out for someone as sensational as Aaron Philip is not hard to do either, as it seems that in addition to all of the accomplishments she has made, there is still even more to be expected from someone as talented and determined as she is. Having already achieved the signed contract of big named industries, she has most recently become the face of the high-end fashion brand, Moschino's fall 2020 campaign. Andrew Nguyen of
The Cut referred to Philip as being "the 'it' girl we all deserve," and rightfully so. And despite who or what might come next in the world of fashion, the next season seems a whole lot more promising with models like Aaron Philip to keep paving the way to more representation of the LGBTQ+ community and other artists alike in the media. In a world where they say, "One day you're in, and the next you're out," it seems pretty safe to say that superstar Aaron Philip is not going anywhere anytime soon, and is planning to stay right where she belongs - in the spotlight.
Aaron Philip for Moschino's fall 2020 campaign (Photo Credit: Dazeddigital.com)
Also,
here is a link to Andrew Nguyen 's article that was mentioned in this blogpost.
Thank you for your time. See you in the next post!
*None of these images or videos belong to me and were found on Google.
Comments
Post a Comment