The Importance of Diversity in Fashion
These days, it seems you can’t go long without hearing the words diversity and inclusion thrown around. It can be difficult to evaluate the sincerity of brands who are suddenly proclaiming that Black Lives Matter, but diversity is one crucial “bandwagon” that has arrived desperately late to fashion. Understanding why diversity is important in our society isn’t rocket science, but what do these concepts mean for the fashion industry and why are they so important? Fashion has always had an insistent stake in culture, and generation after generation has looked to tastemakers to garner inspiration for various aspects of life. How can we better understand the implications of the interplay between fashion, culture, and diversity?
Fashion creates culture
From Michael Jackson’s signature red jacket to Madonna’s lace gloves, there is no doubt that fashion is central to moments that shape culture. Its essence can be pinpointed in all societies, within subcultures, and throughout verticals of daily life. We don’t have to look retrospectively to find that conglomerates who hold the most power in the fashion industry are a small and homogeneous group. The rise of social media has given smaller brands the opportunity to challenge this group’s incessant narratives enormously, but there is still so much to do. Disassembling hierarchies and questioning the status quo is vital to making fashion inclusive. In instances like the arguable appropriation of streetwear culture from minority groups, there needs to be scrutiny from the industry and fashion community itself. If we all take on the role of inclusive tastemakers and force brands to do the same, the influence of fashion on culture can navigate into a force that is truly for everyone.
Out of sight, still in mind
Behind the scenes of the clothing, models, boutiques, and magazines is a workforce of people driving the fashion industry. These people make decisions, such as which influencer will be featured on the next social media post and who will be the face of next month’s magazine cover. It is equally important to have these internal drivers be as diverse as the images they contribute to. More representation from diverse groups on the back-end of fashion will ultimately reflect brands’ intentions to be inclusive in an authentic and sustainable way.
Representation matters
Sadly, many minorities can probably remember a time when not one Abercrombie and Fitch model looked like them, being excited to see one or two Victoria’s Secret Angels that may share the same background, or countless other societal messages that constantly made them feel like an uncomfortable exception to the rule. Are these messages more improved now? Again, fashion creates culture and each brand consciously builds their image to represent their ideal customer. With these images constantly bombarding us on our phones, TVs, and laptops, the lack of representation of people of color in media is detrimental to building inclusive, confident and empowered generations. Though unfortunate it has taken such drastic circumstances like the exhaustion and fury of the black community in their fight against police brutality and unfair justice system, the response from companies in all sectors is telling. Fashion’s lack of diversity is more vivid and poignant now than ever before and many brands face criticism for failing to represent their customer base fully. Hopefully, this will be the catalyst for minorities to be presented as more than a token.
Making the difference
Surely, not every brand will adapt or care about the meaningful pursuit of diversity, but customers are watching and listening. Those of us who have continuously been left out, and those of us who don’t stand for it are critically analyzing where our dollars are going. Now more than ever, it is imperative that fashion takes full responsibility of its permanence and impact on the world. By intentionally including, responsibly creating, and consciously delivering, fashion can be a positive driving force in one of the most significant movements of our time.
What can you do?
Vet where you shop. Question the message brands are putting out through their media and marketing platforms. Are you being included, are your friends being represented?
Look deeper, speak up, and spend accordingly!