Fashion weeks can talk a big talk when it comes to diversity. But they are finally starting to back it up with actions.
At the recent European shows, models of various ages graced the catwalk, while New York Fashion Week in February marked the first time every show at the event featured at least one non-white model.
This year's Melbourne Fashion Week has a size 12 model, Stefania Ferrario, as one of its four "faces".
But how would the diversity question play out at an open casting call?
Sceptically, I went along on Wednesday morning to see who would turn up.
Outside the Meat Market, an unfortunate coincidence not lost on those present, about 200 hopefuls queued in the cold to audition for one of roughly 50 places to "walk" in this year's festival.
![A model waits to audition for Melbourne Fashion Week, which is trying to showcase the most diverse range of faces and bodies in its history.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170727122544im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/j/6/5/4/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1501048053184.png)
A model waits to audition for Melbourne Fashion Week, which is trying to showcase the most diverse range of faces and bodies in its history. Photo: Simon Schluter
Among the throng of young, thin and beautiful girls and boys – many of them still in their teens – there were some glimmers of the D-word.
Milo, a transgender model, said they were pleased Melbourne Fashion Week is casting with a more open mind.
"There is more opportunity for marginalised groups and recognition of our identity," Milo, 22, said. "In the industry recently there's been more moves towards including more trans people."
Models have their headshots taken at the casting call for Melbourne Fashion Week on Wednesday. Photo: Simon Schluter
Carla Corbin, who is represented by curvy-specialist agency Bella Management, said diversity at Fashion Week meant showcasing "variety and celebrating all versions of humanity".
"Everyone can be fashionable and stylish so showing all versions of people is inspiring," she said. "It can mean race, body shape, height, looks.
"It's important for mental and physical wellbeing that we see diversity and everyone is not trying to conform to one standard of beauty."
![A model waits as organisers check the progress at the casting call for Melbourne Fashion Week on Wednesday.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170727122544im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/j/6/5/m/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1501048021689.png)
A model waits as organisers check the progress at the casting call for Melbourne Fashion Week on Wednesday. Photo: Simon Schluter
Stylist Kate Gaskin, one of the judges at the casting, said the festival's commitment to diversity was sincere.
"In the past it's been about uniformity, the same hair and make-up, the same stature. Now it's about being as different as possible," she said.
"In the past there hasn't been the talent available but now because of the overseas runways there's a feeling of more acceptance [of more diverse models]," she said.
![The casting judges' table at the model call for Melbourne Fashion Week.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170727122544im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/j/6/5/n/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1501048016970.png)
The casting judges' table at the model call for Melbourne Fashion Week. Photo: Simon Schluter
Models auditioning at the open call had to be 16 or older but there were no other prerequisites.
Last week, Ferrario drew praise for saying she wants to "eradicate" the term "plus sized" from the industry.
"When we talk about size we shouldn't be using terms such as plus size especially because in the fashion industry any model above a size 8 is labelled plus size ... and that's misleading because the average woman is size 12 to 14," she said.
Melbourne Fashion Week runs from September 1-8.