Skai Jackson Responds to Criticism Over Her Pink Hair at New York Fashion Week
Skai Jackson isn't new to New York Fashion Week. Just last season, the actress and mogul sat front row at every major show, including Prabal Gurung and Tibi, all while launching her own collection with Nowadays. But this Spring 2019 season marks the first time that she experimented with brightly toned hair for her front-row looks. At the Escada show, she paired a pink sequin skirt by the designer with matching tresses; at the BoF500 gala, Skai complemented her white Sara Battaglia suit with a vibrant green bob. The look was polarizing, with trolls going so far as to comment that she shouldn't wear colored wigs because of her complexion. But Skai responded graciously, explaining that fashion has no rules, especially rules rooted in colorism. Ahead, she addresses the criticism head-on, while taking us through her action-packed day at New York Fashion Week.
Getty Images1/7"I hadn't realized that Escada had never had a major fashion show before on the fashion calendar. So, I was super excited to attend their first show in New York City and join them in celebrating their 40th-year anniversary."
Getty Images2/7"I love those fashion moments when everything just comes together. I had no idea that pink would be a major inspiration color for the show and set. As you can see, I had the hair to match. Everyone kept asking if I had planned it purposely."
Courtesy of Skai Jackson3/7"I was really surprised to see the comments on social media that were being said about my decision to try out a new hair color and style. Some people thought that pink hair was not age appropriate for me or that it didn't match my skin color, which I found very confusing.
I know it’s hard to believe that I’m no longer the young 'Zuri' everyone has grown to love, which I truly appreciate, but like every young lady, I’m growing, I’m maturing and finding myself at 16 years old discovering the joys and pains of the world we live in.
I would only ask that before you throw shade, you stop and think about all the people who have ever said something negative about you or someone you love, and how that made you or them feel. Fashion is about trying out new things and having fun, and me and my stylist, Zadrian Smith, are going to keep doing just that. Pink hair for everyone!"
Courtesy of Skai Jackson4/7"I felt very lucky to be asked by Business of Fashion to not only attend the 500 Gala, but to go on the red carpet as a reporter for Teen Vogue. I got to speak to some amazing industry insiders including Tommy Hilfiger, models Adut and Anok, and photographer Petra Collins, who I'm planning to work with in the future. I love how she empowers women in her work."
Courtesy of Skai Jackson5/7"Model Paloma Elesser was such a babe, and we both had on shades of green. So, a picture was necessary. It's incredible to see fashion starting to become more inclusive and diverse."
Getty Images6/7"I think it's safe to say I was the youngest person in the room among the movers and shakers of the fashion industry. Such an honor and privilege to be able to speak to the people striving to make the industry we all love a better place for the next generation to come."
7/7Want more Teen Vogue? Like us on Facebook to stay in the know!
