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In the last few years, Kate Middleton single-handedly made the 'nude' shoe a staple for women all over the world.
Then, the ‘nude’ nail trend followed. Yet, what is considered ‘nude’ for the Duchess of Cambridge might not be ‘nude’ to dark-skinned women like actress Lupita Nyong’o.
Last year, shoe designer extraordinaire Christian Louboutin launched “The Nudes" collection, showing a new range of signature high-heeled pumps in five different shades for different skin tones – from very fair to dark.
This was a fashion triumph, as it gave all women the opportunity to wear the ‘nude’ shoe trend. Finally, the fashion world started to cater to dark-skinned women - but only to those able to afford $600-$1000 odd on a pair of heels.
The term ‘nude’ has always been used in mainstream fashion as one that simply applies to all.
The definition of ‘nude’ has been pretty one-sided, catering only to white women; and it is about time it changed its definition. For the last time: nude does not apply to all.
Image source: Instagram
A fabulous lingerie brand, Nubian Skin, now has people (even Kerry Washington) abuzz thanks to their new collection of undies and hosiery made specifically for women of colour.
For most white women, a nude bra and a pair of undies are essential wardrobe items. However, dark-skinned women struggle to find underwear that suit their skin tone.
Nubian Skin’s website’s About Us page dissects the idea of ‘nude' the best, saying:
“Nude lingerie and hosiery for women of colour.
“A nude bra, skin-tone tights / pantyhose – basics of every woman’s wardrobe. In theory…It’s the grand debate, what do I wear under a white or sheer blouse? What colour hosiery will go with these amazing shoes? Black just isn’t going to work.
"The simple answer is nude. But my nude isn’t the nude I see in shops. Despite the reality that women of colour have the same needs as all women when it comes to lingerie and hosiery (and spend the same of their hard-earned money), the industry simply doesn’t cater to us. So, I thought, it’s time to rethink the definition of nude.
"Thus, Nubian Skin was born.
“It’s an uphill battle, but every revolution starts somewhere. Looking at the makeup industry, it took Eunice W. Johnson to create Fashion Fair Cosmetics in 1973 for black women to really have an adequate choice in finding makeup colours to suit them.
"In the 1990s and 2000s, mainstream brands began to realise the value of providing to women of colour, and despite the billions we spend on make up each year, there are still brands that have chosen not to provide an offering for us.
“So for you beautiful black and brown women, next time you need a nude pair of hold-ups or maybe a nude strapless bra to go under than stunning white halter dress, we’re only a few clicks away. Nubian Skin. A Different Kind of Nude.
“Empowering women. Embracing our colour.”
Let us know what you think!
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Then, the ‘nude’ nail trend followed. Yet, what is considered ‘nude’ for the Duchess of Cambridge might not be ‘nude’ to dark-skinned women like actress Lupita Nyong’o.
Last year, shoe designer extraordinaire Christian Louboutin launched “The Nudes" collection, showing a new range of signature high-heeled pumps in five different shades for different skin tones – from very fair to dark.
This was a fashion triumph, as it gave all women the opportunity to wear the ‘nude’ shoe trend. Finally, the fashion world started to cater to dark-skinned women - but only to those able to afford $600-$1000 odd on a pair of heels.
The term ‘nude’ has always been used in mainstream fashion as one that simply applies to all.
The definition of ‘nude’ has been pretty one-sided, catering only to white women; and it is about time it changed its definition. For the last time: nude does not apply to all.
Image source: Instagram
A fabulous lingerie brand, Nubian Skin, now has people (even Kerry Washington) abuzz thanks to their new collection of undies and hosiery made specifically for women of colour.
For most white women, a nude bra and a pair of undies are essential wardrobe items. However, dark-skinned women struggle to find underwear that suit their skin tone.
Nubian Skin’s website’s About Us page dissects the idea of ‘nude' the best, saying:
“Nude lingerie and hosiery for women of colour.
“A nude bra, skin-tone tights / pantyhose – basics of every woman’s wardrobe. In theory…It’s the grand debate, what do I wear under a white or sheer blouse? What colour hosiery will go with these amazing shoes? Black just isn’t going to work.
"The simple answer is nude. But my nude isn’t the nude I see in shops. Despite the reality that women of colour have the same needs as all women when it comes to lingerie and hosiery (and spend the same of their hard-earned money), the industry simply doesn’t cater to us. So, I thought, it’s time to rethink the definition of nude.
"Thus, Nubian Skin was born.
“It’s an uphill battle, but every revolution starts somewhere. Looking at the makeup industry, it took Eunice W. Johnson to create Fashion Fair Cosmetics in 1973 for black women to really have an adequate choice in finding makeup colours to suit them.
"In the 1990s and 2000s, mainstream brands began to realise the value of providing to women of colour, and despite the billions we spend on make up each year, there are still brands that have chosen not to provide an offering for us.
“So for you beautiful black and brown women, next time you need a nude pair of hold-ups or maybe a nude strapless bra to go under than stunning white halter dress, we’re only a few clicks away. Nubian Skin. A Different Kind of Nude.
“Empowering women. Embracing our colour.”
Let us know what you think!
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
