Meredith Koop, Michelle Obama’s stylist and fashion consultant is the latest among the many personalities expressing concern about the lack of diversity in the industry.
At the most recent New York Fashion Week, Koop expressed her concern while participating as a panelist at the “NYFW The Talks: Passion Meets Purpose” along with designer Carly Cushnie and artist/activist Paola Mendoza. Author Constance C.R. White acted as moderator.
“I find it to be frustrating, and I don’t really want to be a part of it,” Koop fumed. She admitted the Hollywood inclusion riders had a profound effect on her. As a matter of principle, she inquired beforehand about the people or group she’d be working with. Koop stating that moving forward, she will decline projects that are not inclusive and refuse to work on or style project that are white women exclusive.
Her comments drew a reaction from the moderator that it smacks of racism against white women. Koop brushed it aside saying that wasn’t the case.
