It’s certainly taken some time, but it finally looks as though the fashion industry is changing for the better. Up until very recently, long-legged models wearing the most expensive designer clothes dominated the fashion world.
Fortunately, the fashion industry is now becoming both more diverse and inclusive, mirroring today’s evolving beauty standards. It’s important to note, however, that diversity and inclusivity aren’t the same. Elle links diversity to representation, such as hijab-wearing models on the runway.
On the other hand, inclusivity is about whether or not such diverse groups feel as though they can make changes within the industry. It’s all well and good to have models of different shapes and sizes on the runway, but is such diversity reflected in the boardrooms of these fashion brands?
New light shed on inclusivity
For a long time, the answer to the previous question was a resounding ‘no.’ A classic example would be brands making use of plus-size models without offering plus size clothes.
The rise of inclusivity in fashion, however, shows that it goes beyond marketing schemes. Glamour cites designer Rio Uribe as an example of how fashion brands, particularly younger ones, are taking inclusivity seriously. Uribe casts his models with the help of social media and some good old-fashioned street scouting, giving a greater variety of people the opportunity to model.
It’s a global movement
Inclusivity is a global priority, with fashion brands all over the world paving the way for other models and designers to continue their work. The stereotype in some Asian countries, for example, is that women are traditionally expected to be petite. However, fashion writer Jane Adamson highlights that the Philippines is one example of where this paradigm is changing, as plus-sized brands are creating a market for those who don’t fit into the stereotype. And yep, you guessed it – it’s had a positive response from customers.
Where diversity is all about representation, inclusivity is about access. Here at BrandAlley, we work to make luxury goods more accessible to fashionistas of every budget, operating under the mindset that great fashion should be made available to all.
We work with a wide range of luxury brands that place diversity at the heart of their company, from lingerie experts who cater for DD+ fuller busts to designer fashion houses who continually advocate plus size models. Undoubtedly there’s still a long way to go until the industry becomes a trailblazer for diversity and inclusivity, but we’re looking forward to watching the journey unfold…
