Fashion designer Christian Louboutin released two new shades to his “Nude Collection” last Thursday to ensure that “every woman meets her match.” 

Kent State students have since expressed their views on the new products. 

“I think the campaign is so awesome because I think that all colors of skin should have representation … when someone says, ‘Oh I want a nude lip or a nude leotard,’ or whatever, they should probably have the right color nude,” said  Devan Hayes, a senior dance major. “I know that when I get naked, I’m not this weird, ashy, oatmeal color. I can finally be a part of the fashion culture because as of right now, nude is in.”

Like many African American people, Hayes has experienced trouble finding nude makeup and apparel that matches her skin tone.

As a prominent fashion designer, Louboutin is making waves in the fashion industry by including multiple tones of nude.

“I feel like this is a good idea and I like that they’re trying to be more diverse. But at the same time, we still don’t have the right color makeup or undergarments, so we also need to work on that,” said sophomore fashion merchandising major Daijah-Monai Williams. “Brands like Victoria’s Secret and Calvin Klein should be inspired (by) the Louboutin’s. I’m happy though. We have to start somewhere.”

Louboutin is making strides in terms of inclusivity in fashion. As runways and ad campaigns are becoming more diverse, the apparel industry is progressing.

Christina McVay, a Kent State senior lecturer in the English department and coordinator of communication skills and arts in the Department of Pan-African Studies, believes that this is a good move, both culturally and financially.

“I think it is, with many products, a wise thing to do. It is obviously inclusive. I suppose I applaud them for doing it, but I know they’re also doing it in order to make more money,” McVay said. “I’m rather appalled at the way young Americans really are driven to get that big name fashion product. The fashion industry is just really enjoying all of this.”

Overall, whether it is for financial gain or for inclusivity, Louboutin is setting a precedent in the fashion industry as a reminder that every fashionista comes in different shades.

“We need to remember that every shade of skin is beautiful and I think that the fashion industry should reflect that,” said Ndea Lee-Orsley, a junior organizational communications major. “Nude shouldn’t be a reflection of just one skin tone because many different shades of people enjoy fashion too.”

Ile-Ife Okantah is a fashion reporter for The Kent Stater, contact her at [email protected].