Rare Select Models: More Than a Quota - The Beauty in Diversity.
Romany Francesca, founder of Rare Select Models, is one of the few figures at the forefront of recognising beauty in diversity.
The once narrow demographic of fashion has way more nuance now than ever before, as the industry is finally recognising beauty in diversity. Romany Francesca, founder of Rare Select Models, is one of the few figures at the forefront of this nuance. Starting off as a photographer, Romany was aware of the stark absence of diverse representation across the modelling industry. Romany had friends who wanted to be models, but were rejected because the agencies they went for had already reached their “quota” for Black models. Romany knew there was something wrong with thinking black models who had made it were lucky rather than they talented. At 20, Romany utilising her own network created Rare Select Models. Since 2017 Rare Select Models has expanded with Romany’s models featuring on high profile campaigns ranging from Nike, to Burberry, Valentino, and G-Shock.
If you missed our IG Live interview yesterday, here’s the Q&A.
Nuprint Magazine: How important has Rare Select Models been as an agency to diversifying the modelling industry, and how did you come up with your vision?
Romany Francesca: I think it’s important to have organisations like ours that are actively and loudly making an effort to encourage change within the fashion and creative industry. It means we are allowing for broader representation of what it is to be a person within the 21st century. Regardless of disability, racial background, cultural differences, height, size, age and gender we are all the same yet so beautifully different. Why shouldn’t that angle be celebrated more? That is our vision and that’s our goal.
NM: Have you come across any competing agencies who claim to have your same ethos?
RF: 100%
NM: What are the challenges of being a Black-owned modelling agency, and how did you build Rare Select’s presence?
RF: The immediate and most visible challenge is that as a black woman, having an opinion that is different to the norm almost attracts the energy. I don’t have a right to want to change the creative direction of my white counterparts and leaders within fashion. I don’t have the right, or even the knowledge to include something different into a pre-existing and accepted formula. It’s sad but I know this feeling, that is very much reality, is felt by so many other Black-owned businesses fighting for evolutionary thinking.
Building something that is different to the norm requires hard work, dedication and passion to the goal. You have to align yourself with like-minded individuals and organisations.
NM: You are young, Black, and a female entrepreneur running an agency. Have there been times you have faced overt or covert racism?
Definitely. Probably covert racism because unlike other occupations, fashion, music, etc relies heavily on Black culture. So some people don’t like to oppress others so openly.
NM: In the modelling world the conversation of diversity is finally a hot topic, will there be a sustainable change in your eyes?
RF: Hopefully! We can only wait and see.
NM: What inspired you to create your own agency?
RF: Seeing Tyra Banks do America’s Next Top Model and Naomi Campbell doing similar in the UK.
NM: Black culture is diverse, rich and influences the world. How has your agency helped to celebrate Blackness?
RF: By constantly representing Black models. We have kept that diversity and richness at the forefront of Rare Select, as we should! Our Black models are doing well, being booked and are very busy.
NM: You have a diverse range of models, unlike many agencies who typically have a uniform look. What advantages and disadvantages has this had?
RF: In terms of advantages, we have brands come to us wanting what we have and sharing our ethos and look in their creative material. As for the disadvantages, some brands won’t come to us because they don’t want that kind of diversity.
NM: Why and how does representation matter to you as an agency, and as an individual?
RF: Representation is important because it allows for everyone within society to see themselves in a positive light. This would increase and account for less desperation, less toxic thoughts, less suicide, and more celebration for being someone worthy of that product; of that educational route; of that wealth, etc. That’s the outlook I invest in the agency and a view I take as an individual.
NM: Globally, Black Lives Matter has put race and racism at the forefront of the conversation. How pivotal has this been in the world?
RF: Very, but it’s not like these conversations and protests haven’t happened throughout past decades. However, we didn’t have social media as a tool to forefront these conversations before. I think it’s pivotal this is happening now, whilst we have technological advancements that were created to share information easily to the masses, and for it to have more impact to a greater scope of people around the world.
NM: As an agency, what will you be doing to ensure Blackness continues to thrive and is not just a moment, but a movement?
RF: We will keep fighting the good fight, representing what it means to be a beautiful Black person inside and out. We will continue to work with brands that truly believe what we are doing is important and necessary.
NM: What was Rare Select’s biggest achievement since you founded it in 2017?
RF: A huge achievement for me and the agency was definitely expanding and representing models from around the world.
NM: How do you plan to pivot while Covid-19 sends your agency in a different direction?
RF: We are going to adapt to the new world, while remembering that our roots are strong and our wings are large. I believe that we can still impact stronger and further.
NM: What does growth mean for your agency at this time?
RF: Growth means building a large network of like-minded people. From our clients, to models, to the people we have working for us.
NM: Will your models get to tour again soon?
RF: 100% yes. Be ready!
As we know a Black-owned modelling agency is a rarity in itself, let alone an agency that actively represents Black models and what it means to be Black. Until now, the myriad elements of Black Lives, including Black beauty and what the Black community has given to the fashion industry, have been bypassed. There is lots more work to be done, but we must celebrate Romany’s huge moves to grow an agency that is quintessentially diverse. After featuring on BBC 1Xtra’s DIY Generation series last year, Romany has gone above and beyond to stay true to her brand’s pledge: Representing Rare Faces. Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks’ legacy continues with Rare Select Models, and as the Black Lives Matter Movement expands more every day, a conversation with Romany couldn’t have come at a better time.
In conversation with @romanyfrancesca the founder of @rareselectmodels .
Starting her agency at 20 years old, and has continued to pave the way for diversity and a new thought process within the fashion industry.
We spoke about the challenges as a black female in a industry that has historically not always had space.
Inspiring, engaging and futuristic best epitomises her thought process!