This is quite a momentous step for Prada. For the first time in almost two decades, the fashion label has cast a black model to be the face of their advertising campaign.
Malaika is first black person to have such a prominent role in the company since Naomi Campbell way back in 1994.
“The move is significant because Prada rarely hires Asian models and practically never hires black models” said Jenny Sauers from Jezebel.com
“As we’ve documented repeatedly on this Web site [Jezebel.com], the fashion industry as a whole has a number of problems with race — whether it’s the under-representation of models of color on the world’s biggest runways, or the spate of ignorant but widely copied trends, like blackface references in editorials.”
The talented model, who was raised in Essex, was born to a British father and a Kenyan mother with her heritage also including Ugandan, Seychellois and Swiss blood.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Malaika said she was “completely ecstatic” when she found out she had secured the campaign and was “extremely proud and happy” to be stepping into Campbell’s shoes.
Below, the new Prada model introduces herself.
Best of luck Malaika, we’re sure you’ll rock the campaign!
