First black model for 19 years

Malaika Firth as the new face of Prada. Director Of Photography: Steven Meisel/Prada

Pictures from the Prada campaign fall/winter 2013 were released and, along with a requisite supermodel Christy Turlington, they include 19-year-old Malaika Firth.

This is great news, because Firth is the first black model to be cast from Prada for nearly two decades.The latest model to hold that this recognition was then 24-year-old Naomi Campbell in 1994, the year of Firth. While the Italian House is still considered a visionary in terms of its outlook – embraced older male models and curvier women – Prada was slow to add racial diversity for his campaigns. Before Jourdan Dunn was included in its 2008, Campbell Parade – again – was the last black model to walk for the brand, in 1993.

This problem is not unique to Prada. Most modeling agencies have fewer black models on their books to white models, arguing that this is because they are more popular with white models fashion customers. In a list compiled by Forbes in 2012, top 10 richest models were all white.

Prada Resort Mailaka Firth photograph: Prada Resort

However there are signs that this may change. Christian Dior Couture Show this week – Raf Simons ' third for the brand – had an overall theme and featured black models, Puerto Ricans and Chinese cuisine, an interesting move for a designer who, in the past, has often had a catwalk that is largely white. Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci pushed this subtle way – always has diversified and walkway casting was an early supporter of the Puerto Rican model Joan Smalls, who has been ranked No 1 in the world last year by the influential site models.com.

The presence of Firth, who was born in Kenya and raised in England, this campaign is undeniably symbolic, but it is also a solid support to her. Doe-eyed and with delicate features, Firth began modeling two years ago and previously appeared on the site of Asos and Rollercoaster magazine. The Prada campaign is its first advertising campaign and follows cameos on the catwalk of the brand, most recently in the show for spring/summer 2014. If Dunn's career – was the last black British model to achieve the status of Vogue cover girl – is any guide, this should just beginning.

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