Alice.D Magazine editor Kristie Klein and designer Monphell have joined a boycott of Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) over racism allegations.
Klein and Monphell said they stand with 13 black models who initially boycotted the event, in a bid to open up the conversation around tokenism and brand authenticity.
In a media statement, Klein alleged she and a model were invited to the Le Meridian Pool Deck Opening Runway as a V.I.P, where they were refused entry and the model restrained by security.
The pair confirmed they were protesting the recent allegations of racism and tokenism, with the escorted model wearing a hooded Monphell jumper with the slogan ‘I was paid to wear this’ and a sign on the back reading ‘Fashion Weak.’
“True equality only happens when everyone’s included in a genuine and inclusive way,” Klein said. “Tokenism more often than not creates a feeling of exclusion rather than the other way round.”
This follows an initial boycott of M/FW by 13 black models over multiple racism allegations.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 13 black models are using Fashion Week to draw attention to their experiences of racism in the industry, including claims they are being paid significantly less than white models, usage of the N-word by a photographer, and hairdressers talking in derogative terms about African hair.
In response to the allegations, Melbourne Fashion Week stated it was not aware of any concerns relating to diversity or race involving Melbourne Fashion Week, adding that discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.
According to M/FW, the event is one of the industry’s most inclusive fashion events, highlighting key program experiences such as First Nations designers and models featuring on every runway throughout the event, and First Nations performers featuring in multiple runways.
The 2023 program will also include a dedicated First Nations runway at the new ‘Connection’ exhibition at The Lume, Melbourne, as well as independent events run by First Nations event producers.
M/FW also highlighted a dedicated fashion capsule curated by Nina Fitzgerald that includes works from Ceremoni X Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, and an upskilling program providing paid work experience to First Nations people across a range of front and back-of-house roles
“Models cast for the event, as well as designers, stylists, retailers and production staff, represent a range of sizes, ages, backgrounds and abilities – including those from diverse ethnic backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community and those with disabilities.
“All models walking at Melbourne Fashion Week are paid the same rate, with the exception of some higher profile models – including those from diverse backgrounds. The standard rate is comparable or above similar fashion industry events.
“We have engaged specialist hair stylists and make-up artists for all runways who are highly experienced in working with textured hair and darker skin tones with the right products and tools.”
Melbourne Fashion Week has already commenced on October 23 and will wrap up on October 29. Key brands joining runways across the week-long event include Aje, Bec + Bridge, Bianca Spender, Carla Zampatti, Mariam Seddiq, Ngali, Reborn by HoMie, Scotch & Soda and Van Der Kooij.