A bridal boutique going above and beyond to showcase a diverse selection of models in their promo images? WE ARE SO HERE FOR IT! Feeling increasing frustrated with the lack of inclusivity in the brand images of the dresses they were was stocking in their shop, TDR Bridal in the West Midlands decided to do something about it – and so they shot their own.
“I have known for some time that I needed to do something – to address the elephant in the bridal world room”, Molly, founder of TDR Bridal, told us. “I remember maybe eight years ago I was at a trade show and wondering where all the black models were. Don’t get me wrong, things are improving, but overall the diversity shown in this industry is sadly, still seriously lacking. As uncomfortable as it may be, we the collective bridal industry, need to take a long hard look in the mirror and see what we are portraying; A world in where only straight, young, white, able-bodied females buy wedding dresses.”
“I am ashamed at this stereotypical representation of brides. My frustration at trying to find images to represent diversity on to use on our social media and website was considerable, I just couldn’t find anything, anywhere, so I decided to do something about it and shoot my own.”
“I knew the moment the first model came out of the changing area, that this was going to be something special”, she continued. “The atmosphere was electric, emotional, celebrational and united; every person in that space got it. They could see something incredible evolving. There were many tears of joy, there was lots of clapping and words of encouragement for every – single – model. I am immensely proud to know them all and totally humbled to have worked with these incredible, beautiful people.”
“I hope these beautiful images get shared far and wide, I hope they are celebrated and championed. But I hope, above all, that these images provoke change – whether large or small – and that people’s perception of what a bride ‘should’ look like is challenged and maybe changed. Always remember one size does NOT fit all.”
