Renowned fashion brands; Celine, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Chanel, Armani, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Roberto Cavalli, Victoria Beckham and Marc by Marc Jacobs have been accused of racism. Simply put, the aforementioned brands do not employ black models in their runway shows and campaigns. This act has really generated a lot of controversy in the fashion industry.

Popular brand Iman, famous model, Naomi campbell and model agent Bethann Hardison are some of the people who are hugely against it. They have flagged off a campaign to raise awareness and end runway racism. Forming a group called Diversity Coalition, the trio have sent open letters to major fashion councils in New York, London, Milan and Paris to support them on the issue.

Speaking on Channel 4 news yesterday on the racism issue, Naomi Campbell stated, "What we are asking for is that you are chosen based on your talent, on your beauty. Not on the colour of your skin."

"The absence of people of color on the runways and photography reinforces to our young girls that they're not beautiful enough, that they're not acceptable enough," Iman told CNN.

She continued, "The diversity that we live in, the world that we live in, is not what is shown on the runway. That to me is the concern. It's a bigger issue at large than just about runway and models."