Historically, fashion images have been a representation of aspiration. We have deeply immersed ourselves in what we hope to be, whether that is rooted in reality or the well-crafted world of social media. Casting in the fashion industry has taken this notion further, embodying what that aspiration physically looks like. Yet, as society continues to go through relentless trauma and an unprecedented pandemic, it seems a few creatives are pushing back on what fashion\u2019s gatekeepers have force-fed the masses. At a time when consumers are questioning inherited privilege and preconceptions based on identity, the industry needs to make sure that it is broadening the spectrum of stories that it has chosen to share and uplift. Models.com contributor and stylist Carolina Orrico spoke to casting directors who are taking action to no longer accept the status quo, visualizing beauty based on authentic stories, and building a \u201cnew normal\u201d in casting.<\/p>\n
London-based stylist and casting director Mischa Notcutt<\/a> is the founder of 11 Casting<\/a> and flipped her passion for people into great career heights working with clients like i-D Magazine, J.W. Anderson, and new buzzworthy brand, Mowalola. “I love fashion, I love people and I love faces so it made sense to start casting,\u201d Notcutt explains. On the topic of diversity, Notcutt feels as if the discussion \u201chas been trending around the industry for a while.\u201d Her usage of the word trending is firm as if one could talk about inclusion as they talk about a style that might not be \u2018in\u2019 next season.<\/p>\n\n