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.
It's so funny how there are no designers wanting to help me with a premiere dress for movie. Hmmm that will change and I remember everything
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) June 28, 2016
After revealing her dilemma, designer Christian Siriano seemed to offer to dress Jones.
✋🏼👋🏼
— Christian Siriano (@CSiriano) June 28, 2016
Jones excitedly accepted the offer.
YAAAAAASSSSSS
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) June 28, 2016
That night, Jones followed up with another tweet pondering if she should call out the designers who did not offer to dress her.
Hmm what a difference a tweet makes. Should I name the designers that didn't look out?Put y'all ass on blast. You will not get my love later
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) June 29, 2016
But the star got replies stating she should be the bigger person and not give other brands free press.
Nah, sis…you're dope. Don't give them any shine. @Lesdoggg
— Cassia Jones (@AwkwardGirlLA) June 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/RealMenTalkLive/status/748156150198206464
https://twitter.com/writing_is_life/status/747979499992551428
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.”
