Why can't we be cover girls?

Bollywood might be all the rage, but when did you last see an Asian woman on the cover of a magazine?

On the day of London's biggest Asian fashion show, the industry is embroiled in a debate over the almost non-existent use of Asian models in mainstream magazines, shows and advertisements.

While Asian women have broken into theatre with Bombay Dreams and cinema with Bend It Like Beckham, even those stunning enough to carry off catwalk clothes remain a rarity on the runway or fashion pages. Despite sustained efforts only one of the dozen girls pictured - who have been selected to model for Asian Dreams, an annual showcase for British Asian designers, held tonight - has found work outside of Asian events.

And that girl is Sophie Aal, who has worked for Littlewoods and Zandra Rhodes, and is the only girl in the show who is not of Asian origin.

The 23-year-old says her mixed-race appearance - she is half-Egyptian and half-English - has helped her work in both the Asian industry and the mainstream. Nosheen Saeed, 20, who has been trying to break into mainstream modelling for a year, said: "Mainstream magazines use all sorts of different looks but you will never see a conventional Asian girl."

David Reeson, the organiser of Asian Dreams, said: "It's absolutely appalling. There is no excuse."

Karen Diamond, director of Models One, confirmed most of its models are white, although they do represent some black and Oriental girls. "We provide what the clients want and there isn't a huge market for Asian models in this country."

Some claim hostility towards the industry within the Asian community stops girls from coming forward. Ms Diamond said: "Nowadays Asian parents might be interested, but the grandparents think modelling is akin to prostitution."

But Naseeba Sacranie, producer of Asian Dreams, said: "Parental pressure might once have been a factor, but now I have so many mothers asking me to put their daughters in my shows that I have to turn them away."

Red magazine, Elle, Vogue and Storm modelling agency all declined to comment.
Asian Dreams takes place today from 2-9pm at the Atlantis Gallery, 146 Brick Lane, E1. Call 0845 650 4244 for details.