CAMPAIGN SHOOT 2024
THE STORY CONTINUES "Shades of Strength" #UnitedinDiversity
It was buzzing with energy as models of all shapes, sizes, and shades gathered for the big shoot. There were bright lights, camera clicks, and a hum of excitement in the air. This day was more than just another fashion shoot; it was a celebration—a powerful statement of unity, resilience, and the beauty of diversity.
Among the group stood Layla, a Black woman with a radiant smile and a fierce sense of purpose. Layla was a force of nature—confident, bold, and determined to change the world’s view on beauty and strength. She believed in the power of representation, and today, she was here to show that every shade of skin, every body type, every story mattered.
Layla stood in the center of the room, her presence commanding and warm. A Black woman with a vision, she knew the importance of this moment. Today wasn’t just about showing beautiful clothes; it was about showing beautiful people, exactly as they were. Every face, everybody, every story was a vital thread in the tapestry they were creating.
Among the bustling preparations was Amara, the talented designer behind today’s collection, "Be Proud." Amara, with her deep love for her African and Surinamese heritage, had poured her heart into every piece. Her designs were bold statements of pride and resilience, with vibrant African prints and Surinamese-inspired details that spoke of tradition and strength. She moved between the models, adjusting a hem here, perfecting a fit there, each touch infused with a deep sense of purpose.
“‘Be Proud’ is more than just a collection,” Amara explained to Layla, her voice filled with passion. “It’s a statement. It’s about owning who you are, where you come from, and wearing that pride boldly.
Our heritage is rich and beautiful, and I wanted every stitch, every print, to shout that to the world.”
Around Layla, the models gathered, each wearing Amara's stunning designs. To her left was Zoe, a vibrant young woman with Down syndrome whose joy was infectious. Her bright smile lit up the room, reminding everyone that beauty was in the joy we shared with the world. Next to Zoe was Jordan, a non-binary model who stood tall, their bold style and confidence a striking statement of self-love and authenticity.
Close by, Maya, a curvy model with deep brown skin and a dazzling presence, adjusted her dress with a smile. She had spent too many years feeling like she had to hide, but today, she was stepping into the spotlight, embracing every curve with pride. Across the room, Sienna, a light-skinned model with freckles that danced across her face like constellations, helped a younger model fix her hair.
Sienna represented the girls who often felt they didn't fit neatly into any box, navigating the spaces between.
A group of teen and kid models bounced around, full of energy and excitement. Among them was Emma, a spirited girl whose Down syndrome never dimmed her sparkle. And there was Aisha, a teenager with vitiligo, whose patchwork skin was like a canvas of beauty and strength, each spot telling a story of resilience and acceptance. Watching the younger ones, Layla felt a rush of emotion—these kids were the future, and today, they would see themselves celebrated in a way she had always dreamed of.
The final model to step forward was Alex, an older Black male model with a dignified air and a welcoming smile. Alex, a proud gay man, had spent decades advocating for visibility and acceptance. His experience and wisdom were reflected in every step he took, his presence a powerful reminder that beauty and confidence only grew stronger with time. Alex’s outfit—a striking dashiki-inspired jacket—was one of Amara’s favorites, its bold patterns a tribute to both African heritage and the timeless elegance Alex embodied.
The photographer called them all together, ready to capture this moment of pure, unfiltered diversity. Layla moved to the front, her voice clear and filled with purpose. “This is about all of us,” she said, looking around at her fellow models and then at Amara, who stood with pride in her eyes. “Every shade, every story, every difference—this is what makes us powerful. We are more than what the world tells us to be. We are who we are, unapologetically.”
The models linked arms, a powerful image of unity. They leaned into each other, drawing strength from the collective beauty that shone in every smile, every pose. As the camera flashed, Layla thought about the young people who would see these images. Kids who, like her, had grown up without seeing themselves in the media—kids who would now see that they were perfect just as they were.
When the group shot was taken, Layla raised her fist, a gesture echoed by each model, including Alex, whose fist was raised with pride and solidarity. The photographer snapped the picture, capturing a moment that was more than just a photograph—it was a declaration. Differences were not flaws; they were what made each person extraordinary.
The final shots showed the models laughing, holding hands, standing proud. Each photo was a testament to the truth that beauty wasn’t a single story or a narrow ideal. It was a spectrum, a symphony of colors, shapes, and experiences. They were rewriting the narrative, showing the world that diversity wasn’t just something to be tolerated; it was something to be celebrated.
As the shoot wrapped up, Amara felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Her collection, "Be Proud," had not only clothed these incredible models but had also wrapped them in the legacy of their ancestors.
Layla gave her a grateful nod. “These designs are incredible,” she said. “They’re exactly what we need—bold, unapologetic, and full of pride.”
Amara smiled, her heart swelling with the knowledge that they had created something powerful, something that would ripple far beyond this room. They had shown that when we come together—Black, white, differently-abled, LGBTQ+, curvy, slim, young, old—we create something unbreakable.
In a world that often seeks to divide, they had stood united. And in that unity, they found a strength that was as beautiful as it was unstoppable. Together, they had shown the world that diversity is not just about being different; it’s about being strong, proud, and unapologetically you.
In a world that often tries to diminish and divide, these women had created something truly extraordinary. They had shown that in unity, there is beauty; in diversity, there is power; and in the heart of every Black woman, there is a force that can light up the world.
