The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility
New release
Coming 
None

The Colour of Beauty

2010 16 min
Leaving soon

Renee Thompson is trying to make it as a top fashion model in New York. She's got the looks, the walk and the drive. But she’s a black model in a world where white women represent the standard of beauty. Agencies rarely hire black models. And when they do, they want them to look “like white girls dipped in chocolate.” The Colour of Beauty is a shocking short documentary that examines racism in the fashion industry. Is a black model less attractive to designers, casting directors and consumers? What is the colour of beauty?

This content is not available for free viewing in your location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Share
This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
The Colour of Beauty

Details

Renee Thompson is trying to make it as a top fashion model in New York. She's got the looks, the walk and the drive. But she’s a black model in a world where white women represent the standard of beauty. Agencies rarely hire black models. And when they do, they want them to look “like white girls dipped in chocolate.”



The Colour of Beauty is a shocking short documentary that examines racism in the fashion industry. Is a black model less attractive to designers, casting directors and consumers? What is the colour of beauty?

This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
  • director
    Elizabeth St. Philip
  • producer
    Alexandra Yanofsky
  • line production
    Aisling Chin-Yee
    Marie-France Côté

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device

Education

Ages 11 to 17
School subjects
Student groups suggest 5 or 6 vocations or professions. Are some innate attributes required? Discuss: although film does not approach black models from the point of view of the readership, what is the effect on women's self-image? Students select an internet or TV ad and write an analytical paragraph indicating the target audience in terms of gender, income, age and other characteristics. Ad placement: who watches the program?
The Colour of Beauty
Purchase options
Also available