Tessa Tookes, a 28-year-old NYC-based model, encountered a disheartening incident while wedding dress shopping, revealing a disturbing trend of racial bias. The boutique’s demand for an extra $200 to match her skin tone has sparked a conversation about inclusivity in the bridal industry. Joey Kirchner, Tookes’ fiancé, passionately addressed the issue in a viral video, prompting a wave of support from the online community and Black wedding dress designers.
Tookes, inspired by an Instagram find, traveled to Ontario, Canada, for what she hoped would be a magical dress shopping experience. However, as she stood in her dream dress, the boutique presented an additional charge for brown-colored breast cups, evoking memories of past struggles in a racially insensitive industry.
Mariel Buqué, psychologist and author, notes that such incidents send a clear message, positioning darker-skinned women as an “other” in the fashion industry. Kirchner’s video has garnered over 3 million views, with Black wedding dress designers offering support to rectify the injustice.
The boutique, reacting to the video, offered to cover the full cost of the wedding dress, but Tookes believes the heart of the issue remains unaddressed. Women online shared their solidarity, recounting similar experiences and expressing shock at the audacity of such upcharges.
Buqué acknowledges the emotional impact of feeling unseen and encourages women to prioritize their well-being. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s worth and beauty, reinforcing the healing power of being seen and heard.
Katheleen Isaac, psychotherapist, sees Tookes’ experience as reflective of societal challenges and hopes it serves as an opportunity for industries to prioritize inclusivity. Tookes is contemplating working with Black designers who reached out, aligning with her desire to support and uplift the community of women.
As the story unfolds, it sheds light on the need for positive and magical wedding dress shopping experiences for brides of color, emphasizing the potential need to advocate for oneself in the pursuit of inclusivity.
