# Retro-Fabulous Editorials Joan Smalls Gets Funky for the Elle January 2014 Issue By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2013-12-09 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elle-january-2014 References: [thecitizensoffashion](http://thecitizensoffashion.com/2013/12/05/joan-smalls-for-elle-us-january-2014/) & [elle](http://www.elle.com/pop-culture/cover-shoots/joan-smalls-quotes-fashion-photos) Joan Smalls got her start like many other models in the business: heading to NYC with a big dream but not not much else. Her ambitiousness paid off, because today she’s covering the Elle January 2014 issue in a fabulously mod spread. Smalls dons a [colorful slim-waist mini](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-femininity), a vividly patterned pantsuit and a theatrical black-and-glitter ensemble for the spread, photographed by Michael Thompson. Smalls is an advocate for [diversity in the modelling industry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-3). She opened up to Elle, saying, “People hide behind the word aesthetic. They say, ‘Well, it’s just that designer’s aesthetic.’ But when you see 18 seasons in a row and not one single model outside a certain skin color…? There are people in the industry who are [advocates, who support diversity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/how-lovely-to-be-a-woman). And there are people who do not.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Diversity in Modeling Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop platforms and initiatives that promote and celebrate diversity in the modeling industry, encouraging representation of models of all races and backgrounds. - **Retro Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create sustainable fashion brands that draw inspiration from retro styles and incorporate modern twists, appealing to consumers looking for unique and nostalgic fashion choices. - **Fashion Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop AI-powered fashion photography tools and apps that enable photographers to create stunning and creative editorials, revolutionizing the fashion photography industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce eco-friendly and inclusive fashion brands that cater to diverse customer preferences while minimizing the industry's ecological footprint. - **Modeling Agencies:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Embrace and champion diversity by actively seeking and representing models from a wide range of ethnicities and backgrounds, challenging the traditional standards of beauty. - **Photography Equipment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced camera technologies and software solutions that enhance the creative possibilities in fashion photography, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Multifaceted Swimsuit Cover Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-1.md) - [Stylish Fashion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stylish-fashion-campaigns-marc-jacobs-unveils-its-spring-2025-marcworld-cam.md) - [Iconic Singer-Starring Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saint-laurent-and-diana-ross.md) - [Model-Off-Duty Essentials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modeloffduty-essentials.md) - [Holiday Fashion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tommy-hilfigers-2025.md) - [Local Hotspot Fashion Shoots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartbeat-campaign.md) - [Inclusion-Focused Design Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-3.md) - [Authentic Fashion House Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/springsummer-2024.md) - [Intimate Fashion Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/velvet-heat.md)