As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly important to consider the wide spectrum of voices, values, and communities that the sector encompasses. With the rise of intersectional feminism and increased awareness of the need for diversity and inclusion among the industry’s gatekeepers, fashion politics has emerged as a hot-button topic. This article will explore the ways in which fashion can be used to promote a more equal and representative fashion world while addressing the challenges of creating meaningful change in the fashion industry.
1.Breaking the Mould: Examining Diversity and Inclusion in the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry is an ever-evolving, creative industry that embraces diversity and inclusion. In recent years, the industry has grown to recognize and celebrate the importance of representing different cultures, body types, and genders in an authentic and meaningful way. Consumers are no longer buying into fashion trends that fail to recognize their own personal style, identity, and version of beauty.
The fashion industry is well-known for holding certain body and gender types as standard of beauty. The good news is, this is quickly changing. Models in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours are becoming more visible, which is helping to redefine the traditional standard of beauty. We’re also seeing more gender neutral collections on catwalks and in stores, as well as campaigns that feature mixed gender couples and gender-bending ensembles.
It’s encouraging to see big brands like H&M and Nike introducing inclusive collections that are not designating a particular gender, but instead creating clothing that can be worn by anyone. This modern approach to fashion is becoming increasingly popular as people seek out clothing and accessories that are both fashionable and comfortable, regardless of their gender.
In recent years, the fashion industry has attempted to tackle pressing socioeconomic issues in an effort to create change and spark meaningful dialogue. This is evident in campaigns that highlight sustainable living practices, gender equality, and natural beauty in all its forms. Consumers are demanding these issues be discussed, and big fashion houses are responding with campaigns that create a positive impact and celebrate diversity.
It’s important to note that diversity and inclusion isn’t just about representation in campaigns and collections. Consumers today are looking for more than just great clothes. They want to buy from brands that practice what they preach when it comes to diversity and inclusion, including:
- Ensuring all employees are treated fairly and respected
- Being transparent and open about their policies and standards
- Having an action-oriented plan to support equality initiatives
The fashion industry has come a long way in embracing diversity and inclusion. The more representation there is in campaigns, collections, and teams, the closer we’ll get to changing the traditional standard of beauty and creating an environment where everybody feels included and accepted.
2.Celebrating Cultural Differences in the Fashion World
The world of fashion is one that celebrates and revels in diversity. With a myriad of cultures and styles, fashion is always ready to explore and embrace different ideas in the fashion world. Celebrating cultural differences in fashion can create unique and interesting looks that can be used to express ourselves, as well as to show our appreciation for other cultures.
There are several ways in which cultural differences can be celebrated in the fashion world. Here are a few examples:
- Integrating cultural pieces into your style: By incorporating traditional pieces from a particular culture into your everyday attire, you can demonstrate your respect and appreciation for that culture.
- Creating inspired designs: Using the traditional fabrics, shapes and textiles of different cultures to create your own unique designs is a great way to show your creativity and cultural appreciation.
- Researching different cultures: In order to really get an understanding and appreciation for different cultures, it is important to research and study the symbolism and meaning behind the fashion pieces.
Mixing different trends: Another great way to create unique fashion looks is to mix different trends from various cultures. For instance, mixing elements of classic French chic with traditional African prints can create a stunning and creative look.
Celebrating traditional dress: Different cultures have always celebrated their own traditional dress, from the sari of India to the dirndls of Germany. By wearing traditional dress from a particular culture, you can show respect and admiration for the style.
By celebrating cultural diversity within the fashion world, we can create an inclusive culture that celebrates and appreciates the style and beauty of different cultures. This can be a powerful way to express your individual identity and explore your own sense of style.
3.The Fight for Representation in Catwalk Shows
The fashion industry has been long dominated by thin bodies, usually of thin, tall Caucasians. This imposed an unrealistic standard of beauty to pursue, one that was rarely achievable. And yet, even though the world has become more aware of the damaging effects of such idealizations of beauty, the industry has taken a painfully slow step in terms of diversifying its representation. The catwalks of both New York City and London Fashion Weeks are still largely dominated by the same body type. But things are starting to change.
- In Spring 2019, Prabal Gurung was one of the first major fashion houses to make a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. They developed a collection of garments specifically designed for a variety of body sizes and included male, female, and non-binary models in their lineup. This show was widely praised for highlighting the power and beauty of all body types.
- More recently, during the Summer 2019 fashion shows, more major houses such as Balmain, Gucci, Versace, and many more have also started to diversify their catwalks, both in terms of ethnicities and body types. Impactful movements like the Instagram account @diet_prada have encouraged further awareness of fashion’s lack of inclusivity.
- The catwalks have also become a platform for a much defined social and political activism. For the Spring 2020 New York Fashion Week shows, several designers explicitly made a political statement in their show. Christian Siriano’s show included a diverse roster of models including plus-size, transgender and disabled models.
- The push for catwalk representation still has a long way to go. Only 44.8% of models on the catwalk were of non-white backgrounds for the Spring/Summer 2020 collection according to a report from BFC/Vogue.
But there can be no doubt that a movement has started amongst leading fashion houses to advocate for increased representation in show lineups. Although it might not be easy to get rid of societal norms, with continued efforts from designers, brands, and consumers, the industry may perhaps, one day, achieve true equality on the runway.
4.Inclusivity on the Fashion Runway: Changes and Challenges
The fashion industry has come on a long way in terms of inclusivity on the runway. From early days of having only skinny white models to now having all sorts of body types and skin colors showcased on the runway, the progress has been remarkable. It is encouraging to see that brands and designers are taking a stand and revolutionizing how fashion is presented to people.
The push for diversity has led to so many positive changes. For one, body sizes and shapes are no longer confined to one traditional type. All kinds of sizes, from petite to plus-sized, grace the runway and it’s become a beautiful sight. Furthermore, gender fluidity and non-binary models have also become a major part of the modeling world. Seeing so many identities and communities represented on the runway shows people that fashion really is for everyone.
However, there are still some challenges that come with inclusivity on the runway. Fashion brands and designers are often criticized for not doing enough to promote representativity and inclusiveness. There are still too many people who are not represented and lots of brands lack the commitment to making real change. Furthermore, there is still a need for people at the higher levels of the fashion world to open up to more opportunities for diverse beauty to be celebrated.
The fashion industry still has much work to do in terms of inclusivity on the runway, but it is heartening to see how far they have come. Brands are now embracing a wider range of people to feature on their runways and this is leading to a more diverse and accepting atmosphere. It is essential to keep up the changes being made or even to expand on them to ensure that:
- Diverse beauty is appreciated and applauded
- Body image is no longer based on one rigid cultural narrative
- Fashion is more welcoming for people of all backgrounds
The changes in the fashion industry do not come easily, but the efforts to make fashion more inclusive are certainly paying off. It takes lots of determination, hard work, and most importantly, commitment to truly make a difference. That being said, as the fashion industry progresses towards inclusivity, it is essential to keep the conversation going and stay positive about the changes that are taking place.
5.Redefining the Perception of Beauty in the Fashion Realm
The Fashion Realm is an ever-changing landscape driven by trends and curated by innovative minds. Over the years, beauty perception has moved in numerous directions, from the idealization of a ‘waif-like’ appearance to a more au naturel feel. So, how are designers ?
Expanding the Definition – The days of the same single type of beauty are in the past. Designers have begun to broaden the definition of beauty, often featuring diverse and unique silhouettes on the runway.
Collaborations – Collaborations with creative artists are a great way to explore unconventional beauty. Designer Alexander McQueen partnered with performance artist Leigh Bowery to host events that celebrate alternative forms of beauty.
Celebrating Diversity – It’s important that the fashion world embrace diverse body types, ages, and ethnicities. An effective way to do this is by featuring models of all backgrounds and sizes in fashion campaigns, showing that beauty is merely in the eye of the beholder.
Breaking Gender Stereotypes – Redefining beauty in fashion also includes straying away from conventional gender roles. For example, men wearing dresses, skirts, and other clothing items that have historically been considered ‘women’s clothes’.
Monochromatic Emphasis – One effective way to show that beauty isn’t necessarily found in colour is by utilizing minimalism and monochromatic tones.
- Focus on shape and silhouette
- Create timeless fashion pieces
- Highlight garments’ originality
It is clear that the fashion realm has come a long way in terms of redefining beauty perception. Designers are working hard to create pieces featuring diverse and unique models. In doing so, this opens doors for inspiring self-expression, self-empowerment and a broader representation.
Ultimately, fashion politics is a reflection of our society’s values. With embracing diversity and inclusion in the industry, we can make a positive impact for those within it—and outside it. Let’s make the fashion industry an open, inclusive and more equitable place where everyone feels seen and celebrated!
