Thando Hapo just made history. Fronting the new issue of Vogue Portugal, the 30-year-old South African model is the first person with albinism to appear on a Vogue cover — and it's a dream come true. Hapo shared her excitement on Instagram, writing "I once said to a close friend that it would really be lovely to see a woman with albinism on a Vogue cover, I would not have imagined that that woman would be me."
She continued: "'We are the ones we have been waiting for.' I'm emotional, because I see progress and get to form part of a progressive story and narrative. I got to a place in my career where I appreciate every specimen of my body and knowing that wherever I go, my existence, the way it is, has always and will always be enough." She ended the Instagram caption for the April 2019 cover, thanking Vogue Portugal for the landmark opportunity.
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Hapo is covering the edition devoted to origins and Africa, as the birthplace of mankind, according to a tweet. “I'm emotional, because I see progress and get to form part of a progressive story and narrative,” Hopa wrote. “I got to a place in my career where I appreciate every specimen of my body and knowing that wherever I go, my existence, the way it is, has always and will always be enough.”
In the accompanying cover story, Hapo spoke on whether or not she thinks inclusion in the fashion industry is just a trend. “I do not think that human bodies should ever be called 'trends.' I have a serious problem with people who say albinism is a trend, or vitiligo is a trend. Or people who say ‘It is so cool to be black right now,’” Hopa said. “Human bodies are not disposable.”
Vogue's international counterparts seem to be getting it right when it comes to diversity and inclusion (save for a Kardashian cover here or there). Last year, Naomi Campbell vocalized her belief that there needs to be a bigger platform for the African diaspora on a global scale. “There should be a Vogue Africa. We just had Vogue Arabia — it is the next progression.