Wow

Stefano Pilati on black models:

"Pilati reflected the spirit of the house in his choice of models for the fall show. Saint Laurent was known for celebrating black models and in a season when they were especially absent on the runways, Pilati, at least, had one.

"In the '70s, to have black models in Paris and Europe was sort of a message of having an open mind," Pilati says. "We were definitely less used to races crossing lines. It was definitely something coming from America."

Saint Laurent "was very sensitive to that. It was helping to add exoticism to the collection and to embrace the multicultural aspect of the work."

Why aren't there more black models working today? "To me, it is a matter of proportions and the bodies I choose. My fit model was a black model," he says. "When I wanted to translate what I put on her, it was a disaster. It would need 13 times more work in the atelier to modify it to put on a more Caucasian anatomy.

"Sometimes, it's not your choice. You can't find [black models] that are beautiful and with the right proportions. I prefer them with lean proportions with no big hips."

Big hips? A dearth of beautiful black models? This from the designer who characterizes himself as the best salesman for his clothes." -- Washington Post

Wow. That's like saying it's hard to find curvaceous white models. It's only hard if you don't care enough to look. Obviously Mister is none too bright. And wait, aren't women supposed to have a few curves? Don't get me wrong, I think women who are built like girls are charming or sexy in a very androgynous way but there is something to be said for coke bottle shapes. There is a reason why men drool over Beyonce and women idolize Marilyn Monroe. It is sexy and glamorous and gorgeous and embodies womanhood.

To be honest I think women are beautiful in whatever shapes they come in. There is something to be said for diversity. I think it's good; it keeps things interesting and helps people be unique and after all, isn't that what fashion is about?