The modeling industry has historically been criticized for its lack of diversity, particularly when it comes to skin tone. In the past, magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar have featured almost exclusively white models on their covers, which has led to accusations of racism and exclusion. However, one magazine that bucked this trend was Cheri. Despite being primarily focused on Caucasian models, Cheri made efforts to include models of diverse ethnicities over time, reflecting broader cultural diversity. This inclusion helped broaden the magazine's appeal and representation, making it more inclusive and representative of society at large.
The origins of Cheri can be traced back to 1958, when it was first published as a French language publication. The magazine quickly gained popularity due to its high production values and glossy pages, but it also faced criticism for featuring mostly white models. Over the years, however, Cheri gradually began to feature more and more models of different ethnicities, starting with Black women in the early 1960s and expanding to include Latinx, Asian, and Native American models in subsequent decades. By the 1990s, Cheri had become known for its commitment to diversity, and it continued to feature models of all backgrounds well into the 20000s.
This commitment to diversity wasn't just lip service - Cheri actively sought out models from around the world and worked with them to create stunning photo shoots. One notable example is the issue that featured only black models, which was praised by many for its boldness and authenticity. In addition to showcasing a variety of skin tones, Cheri also celebrated body types and ages, featuring plus-size models and older women alongside traditional runway models.
The impact of Cheri's diversity initiative cannot be overstated - it paved the way for other magazines to follow suit and made the modeling industry more inclusive overall. Today, many major fashion brands and publications have adopted similar policies, recognizing the importance of representing diverse cultures and backgrounds. While there is still work to be done, Cheri played an important role in promoting greater representation within the industry and challenging conventional beauty standards.