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Philipp Plein Cast Only Black Models for Milan Show

The German designer said he wanted to send a message about “breaking down barriers.”

In the midst of the ongoing conversation about the lack of diversity in fashion, German designer Philipp Plein makes a bold statement with an all-black model cast at his Spring 2014 runway show in Milan. Alek Wek opened the energetic presentation and Ethiopian beauty Liya Kebede closed it.
While the rest of the industry yaps about bringing an end to runway racism, Plein isn’t dragging his feet, he’s actually doing something about it.
“My message is about breaking down barriers and breaking the rules,” Plein tells Fashionista. “Doing the unexpected and shaking people from their complacence, forcing people to face the future where old prejudices have no place,” he continues. “For example, the public expects to see pallid girls in high heels walking my show and I give them a fleet of black beauties in flats.”
Take that. 
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(Photos: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images for Philipp Plein)

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