Allure: The Beauty of Diversity
"Our skin is the metaphor that defines how we’re seen — and how we see ourselves."
In its upcoming April issue, Allure tackles the ever-present topic of skin color and diversity. The beauty mag spoke with 41 women of color who shared the story of their lives through their skin and skin tone.
Left, on Dilone: Swimsuit by Alix. Bracelet by Hervé Van Der Straeten. Center, on Aamito Lagum: Swimsuit by Acacia Swimwear. Earrings by Marni. Right, on Imaan Hammam: Swimsuit by Mikoh. Earrings by Loewe.
One interview that stood out to me was that of Ugandan model Aamito Lagum.
“Growing up in Uganda, I did not fit into the ideal. I was too dark. I was too tall. But I didn’t really notice I was black until I came to the U.S. Here I’m black, whereas I was just a person in Uganda. [Last year, there was a close-up of Lagum’s lips on the M.A.C. Instagram feed that triggered racist remarks in the comments section.] It wasn’t that big a deal to me — haters gonna hate — and I was able to brush it off. I posted back, ‘My lips are giving you sleepless nights.’ I grew up loved by my family. That love enabled me to love what I saw in the mirror. I learned to love my skin too much to fit someone else’s script. It is the same love that keeps me safe from comments that would otherwise offend me.”
Allure
Lagum's story mirrors the plight of women of color. Our distinct features cause the majority of the population to shame them and covet them at the same time.
You can get the rest of these powerful interviews over at Allure.com