Fashion Brands Embracing Diversity: Celebrating Inclusivity in the Industry

As clothing fashions fluctuate and trends come and go with ever-increasing regularity, one trend that continues to gather momentum is that of inclusivity and embracing diversity. Brands from all markets, from luxury to streetwear, are recognising the importance of casting and representing a broader range of models in their campaigns and catwalk shows. From the acceptance and celebration of gender fluidity to celebrating diversity of body shape and size, these brands are perfectly demonstrating how fashion can and should be inclusive of all.

1. Fashion Industry Embraces Diversity

In recent years, the fashion industry has made great strides in its attitude towards diversity. Brands around the world are beginning to recognize the importance of representing people from all walks of life in their campaigns and runway shows.

Armani, for example, recently unveiled its new Fall 2020 campaign featuring their first transgender model. This groundbreaking move is part of the brand’s message of inclusivity and acceptance while marking a major move forward for the fashion industry.

The ripple effect: The industry’s embrace of diversity is having ripple effects. In addition to more diverse representation in campaigns and ads, the fashion world is beginning to recognize the power of different perspectives. Designers are now seeking out fresh, innovative ideas from people with different backgrounds.

Not only is there more representation of different races, genders, and sizes on the runway, but there has been an increase in designers of color who are challenging traditional ideas about fashion. Pierre-Louis Auvray, who recently showed a collection of gender-neutral pieces at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, is just one example of designers that are shaking up the status quo.

The fashion industry is making progress, but there is still more work to be done. Brands need to put diversity at the center of their messaging and campaigns and strive for true inclusivity. For now, though, the industry is on the right path.

• Increased representation of different genders, races, and sizes.
• A greater variety of fresh, innovative ideas.
• Inclusivity and acceptance at the forefront.

2. A New Standard of Inclusivity

Inclusivity is no longer something you strive for but instead a cornerstone of good business. It’s vital that progressive-minded organizations take active steps to make their products and services accessible, welcome, and representative of all members of society. Here’s a few guiding principles to foster a culture of inclusivity.

• Promote Equity – Respect individuals and foster fairness by providing equal opportunities and access to resources.
• Instill Openness – Celebrate diversity and create an environment that encourages active listening and respect for different types of ideas and people.
• Ensure Safety – Be cognizant of potential bias and take steps to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The most successful organizations realize inclusion is both an ethical imperative and a practical necessity. It’s the perfect type of proactive measure that can help a business attract talent, engage customers, and remain ahead of the competition. Companies can demonstrate inclusivity in a variety of ways.

1. Analyzing data to make sure hiring strategies, marketing campaigns, and products are reflective of society.
2. Establishing a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and hate speech.
3. Communicating with transparency when addressing any issues related to inclusivity.

Fostering a safe and inclusive work culture also invites employees to be their best selves, unleashing creativity and innovation. Companies must do their part to create a world in which everyone can achieve their goals, regardless of background, beliefs, or identity. That’s the new standard of inclusivity.

3. The Expansion of People and Perspectives

People don’t stay in the same place forever, and that’s a wonderful thing. As we move from place to place, we take the best aspects of our unique backgrounds and introduce them to new environments. This kind of sharing has the potential to open the minds of those around us to all kinds of fascinating new ways of thinking.

• Life’s Exciting Adventure – No two people have the exact same life experience, and that’s what makes life so exciting. People from all walks of life are taking their own unique perspective to new places, and it’s leading to creative new possibilities where there weren’t any before.
• Challenging Old Ideas – Moving to new places exposes us to new ideas that may challenge the way we think. This can be scary in the moment, but growth usually comes out of constructive challenge. Experiencing different ways of thinking can open our minds to new possibilities.
• A Well Rounded Education – Our educational system may provide a variety of topics and perspectives, but nothing substitutes real world experience. Whether it is through travel or through meeting different types of people, expanding our perspectives gives us far more knowledge and understanding than a textbook ever could.

Exposure to different types of people and perspectives is the only way to truly understand the vastness of life’s experiences. Seeing the world through other people’s eyes helps to put ourselves in the shoes of someone else and bring out the best in us. Whether we stay in one place or move around the world, pursuing a greater understanding of different cultures and people is a great way to further our own personal growth and development.

4. Reimagining the Future of Fashion

A Look to the Future

As we move further into tomorrow’s world, what will fashion of the future look like? We can glimpse some of the possibilities right now in the world of wearable technology and eco-friendly fashion.

From garments grown from kombucha bacteria to fiber spun entirely from carbon dioxide, the popularity of sustainable and renewable fabrics is on the rise. New manufacturing techniques are unlocking possibilities, as more and more designers find ways to put their own twist on smart technology and bio-materials.

Transforming fashion with tech may soon be the norm. Companies are already developing smart fabrics that respond to changes in environment and senses, including fabrics that light up in response to sound. With these advancements, fashion can become more than just a statement, it can be a part of the wearer’s lifestyle and reaction to the world around them.

Thanks to 3D printing, designers are using software and specialized techniques to create entire sets of clothing without the constraint of traditional patternmaking. This adds a whole new level of customizability and flexibility, making it easier than ever to create garments that are tailored to fit an individual’s body exactly.

No one knows for sure what fashion’s future holds, but one thing is certain: the possibilities are limitless, and ingenuity will be key.

• Sustainable fabrics
• Smart fabrics that respond to sense and environment
• 3D printing for customization and patternmaking

These are just some of the exciting directions fashion could take in the coming years, and we can’t wait to see where it goes.

Fashion has the power to empower and affect change that reaches far beyond the runway. It can shape how we look at peers, colleagues, and ourselves in our daily lives. The increased acceptance of diversity amongst fashion brands is not only inspiring for the fashion industry, but for humanity as a whole. It is a welcoming reminder that we all belong here, striving towards a more inclusive and equitable future.