Trending Topics

White Designers Have a Body Type — and They Don’t Look Like Leslie Jones

Mashable Twitter

Mashable Twitter

White designers typically go for slimmer models – the opposite of many Black women’s characteristic curves, so it should be no surprise that Leslie Jones was frustrated about being unable to find a designer to dress her for the premiere of the upcoming Ghostbusters remake July 9, a film she stars in. The comedian took to Twitter June 28 to share her thoughts.

After revealing her dilemma, designer Christian Siriano seemed to offer to dress Jones.

Jones excitedly accepted the offer.

That night, Jones followed up with another tweet pondering if she should call out the designers who did not offer to dress her.

But the star got replies stating she should be the bigger person and not give other brands free press.

The “Saturday Night Live” cast member  ultimately decided against blasting other creators.

Jones is not the first Black entertainer to have issues getting designers to dress her. During her acceptance speech for the CFDA Fashion Icon Award June 6, Beyoncé revealed designers refused to dress her and her Destiny’s Child bandmates.

“When we were starting out in Destiny’s Child, high-end labels didn’t really want to dress four Black, country, curvy girls,” the singer and fashion designer said. “And we couldn’t afford designer dresses and couture.”

Her mother and uncle had to step into the role to create their stage costumes and red carpet looks.

“My mother and my Uncle Johnny, God bless his soul, designed all of our first costumes and made each piece by hand,” Bey revealed. “Individually sewing hundreds of crystals and pearls, putting so much passion and love into every small detail.”

Referring to how she felt wearing clothes her family designed for her on stage, the “Lemonade” hitmaker said she felt like the “Game of Thrones” character Khaleesi.

“I had an extra suit of armor. It was so much deeper than any brand name.”

Back to top