Power Players
There should be other Polynesian girls on billboards, not just me.
Here, choreographer Parris Goebel discusses representation, brand authenticity, and beauty standards in the industry.
Parris Goebelis that bitch.
Its the only label that properly pays respect to her impressive list of accomplishments.
Instead, shes making big moves in the fashion industry.
One of her many goals is to undo the narrow beauty standards that have long plagued the fashion world.
Why did you decide to pivot from choreography to modeling?
What do you hope to accomplish within the modeling world?
Changing the stereotype of dancers.
The thing is about breaking those walls down.
Dancers should be seen in the fashion world, fashion shows, and on the runway.
How does it feel seeing yourself on billboards now?
I just feel like that bitch!
Im just doing my small part in history.
Ive worked really hard, so in other ways its like Ishouldbe there.
I just feel proud and to me, its only the beginning.
How do you select which brands to work with?
Anyone that I partner with, it has to be a true collaboration.
Working with UGG was awesome, because it was such a true collaboration.
At this point, how do you feel about the future of the fashion industry?
Theres still a lot of work to be done.
Weve been told for so long whats beautiful and how we should look.
Our generation now is undoing all of that and it takes a lot of work.
Its a frustrating process and I think its at least taking a step in the right direction.
Brands are starting to listen and starting to put diversity at the forefront.
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