Solid + Striped's Swimwear Ad Goes Viral for Lack of Diversity

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Swimwear brand Solid + Striped is under fire this week for an ad featuring only one model of color out of 13. In the image shared on the brand's Instagram feed, supermodel Jourdan Dunnstands in the middle of a line of white models as the sole model of color. Immediately after the image was posted, people in the comments began calling out the shocking lack of diversity. “D*mn this has GOT to be a joke. Unfollowed. I really don't even have to justify why. You knew,” wrote one user. “Do you only have one type of customer?” asked another customer. Others also noted that all 13 of the models were tall and thin and that the image reflected no diversity in size. "I’m saddened by this picture, it does NOT appeal to anyone who’s not white and not a size 2," said one upset commenter, with another adding, "No diversity AT ALL and there isn't any difference in the body type. WE! NEED! DIVERSITY! IN! ALL! FIELDS!"

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It's crucial that fashion advertisements begin to reflect the diverse society we live in. Inclusion should be not just a marketing strategy but a pillar of any brand's core values. With social media, fans have the ability to hold brands accountable on the diversity front. As one fan concisely put it: "people are very involved in brands and brand awareness. It’s a new generation of conscious wearers, in part due to platforms like IG. Women especially want a brand with a meaningful message. "