For the First Time in 163 years of fashion history, Louis Vuitton Had a Black Model Open Their Show

For the first time in Louis Vuitton’s 163 year history, a black woman opened the show. Janaye Furman, the model and drama student took to Instagram to express her gratitude for Louis Vuitton.

What a blessing!!" Furman wrote after the show. "Thank you God and everyone for all of the amazing support! I'm so glad more women of color are rocking the runways. It's so important that we stand up for ourselves and make a difference in this world. I'm so happy I was able to tell this beautiful story."

When a model opens a show, it means they’re the first one to walk down the runway, and they lead the models for their final walk at the end. It’s a highly desirable role.

The Fashion Spot’s diversity report for New York Fashion Week's spring 2018 season concluded this has been the most diverse year yet, not only in racial diversity, but also in the age, body size, and gender.

This newest triumph in fashion is also a reminder of how far the industry still has to go when it comes to diversity. Here is hoping that next year will be even better.

#LVSS18 First look from the #LouisVuitton Spring-Summer 2018 Show by @NicolasGhesquiere. Watch the show now at louisvuitton.com. Original music by @woodkidmusic

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Louis Vuitton Official (@louisvuitton) am 5. Okt 2017 um 8:34 Uhr

Atty and I are dorks. I told her she has to take a picture with me. ?‘?☺️ The other great thing about Louis Vuitton is the girls are so friendly and the team is so helpful. Photo cred. @zinagetup #lvfamily #modelfriends #louisvuitton #behindthescenes #backstage #lvss18 #PFW

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Janaye Furman (@iam_janaye) am 5. Okt 2017 um 5:40 Uhr