The fashion industry has long been the benchmark of glamour and beauty, but today, it is redefining what it means to be fashionable. A new study suggests that diversity on the runway is now embraced by fashion events, which has led to greater inclusivity and empowerment for all. The following article dives deep into what fashion events have done to redefine the standard of beauty.
1. Pioneering Progress: How Fashion Events are Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity
At the forefront of a global discussion about inclusivity and representation lies the fashion industry. As the years pass, fashion events have progressively become more inviting, accepting, and representative of people from all walks of life. Here are some recent developments that are creating a positive and meaningful impact.
Online Events
A trend among fashion industry powerhouses has been hosting online events in lieu of traditional catwalks and presentations. This allows for designers from anywhere in the world to bring their styles to a global audience, regardless of gender, race, or size. It breaks down social and geographical walls and offers an opportunity to reach customers online with ease.
Celebrity Endorsements
Many celebrities have taken advantage of the increased visibility of fashion events to spread the message of diversity and inclusion. From supermodel Winnie Harlow strutting the runway in a wheelchair, to plus-size models proudly showing off their curves, to celebrities of different ethnicities participating in shows, they have created a positive ripple effect of inclusion.
The End of Unspoken Rules
Gone are the days when certain types of people could never grace a runway. Fashion events have ushered in a new wave of rebellious designers who promote and flaunt the power of diversity. It’s no longer unheard of for transgender models to grace the runway, or for plus-sized clothes to be proudly displayed. This has come to define the spirit of fashion events, even to the point that it has become a norm.
Supportive Communities
Fashion events have grown immensely over the last few years. To support its wide variety of members, the industry has also taken the initiative to create safe and secure communities within it. These are often used to create conversations and discussions centered around inclusivity and representation, such as embracing body positivity or talking about culture and gender. Platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook have helped to further the discourse, acting as spaces for fashion professionals to connect, collaborate, and inspire each other.
These developments show that the fashion industry is taking a steps in the right direction: making fashion events that are inclusive and accepting. From the rise of online events, to the participation of celebrities, to the end of seemingly unwritten rules, it’s clear that diversity and inclusivity are becoming values embraced in the industry. After all, fashion events should be places of celebration of all people, rather than just a few on the catwalk.
2. Making a Statement: Navigating the Obstacles of Traditional Runways
The fashion world is a competitive one; designers, models, and photographers all competing for space and standing. Of these people, one group has remained largely on the sidelines of the traditional beauty industry. Despite the fact that traditional runways are a mainstay of the fashion industry, this group has been systematically excluded: plus-size models. Fortunately, this defiance of the status quo continues to be challenged, with more and more plus-size models appearing on catwalks every year.
The arrival of plus-size models on traditional runways has been an uphill battle for many. As the world’s focus on body positivity increases and societal ideals change, manufacturers, industry workers, and the general public have had to confront the idea that a ‘perfect body’ is not one-size-fits-all. This means labels need to be more mindful of their design and production processes, and that’s been a challenge for the fashion industry.
Despite these obstacles, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that that plus-size models are here to stay. Plus-size models are taking their rightful place in the fashion world, and their journeys are paving the way for a more diverse industry. A few might be as renowned superstars today as the thin models, but there are many making a statement in small steps, taking their courageous steps on the catwalk despite the ruthless scrutiny of the fashion world.
So what’s really behind the rise of the plus-size models? The primary reason involves changes in attitudes to body image. As body positivity becomes more common in society, traditional runways are slowly embracing a greater range of shapes and sizes. For example, the Professional Plus Size Chambers of Commerce has seen a huge increase in the number of plus-size models appearing on runways.
The message here is clear: plus-size models are paving the way for a more inclusive fashion industry. They’re proving that traditional runways may take time to embrace new body shapes, but that the process is worth it. And as these models continue to blaze a trail, it’s likely that the fashion industry as a whole will soon follow suit.
3. A Wave of Change: Creating an Inclusive Runway for All
In recent fashion weeks, size, gender, and race were seen on the runway from the world’s most renowned designers. The presence of variety was a long-awaited breath of fresh air; it was an indication that change is coming and traditional stereotypes are becoming a distant memory. Several designers made conscious decisions to use their platforms to celebrate diversity, which resulted in inclusive and dynamic collections that made the viewing experience even more impressive.
Designers such as Adeam, Son Jung Wan, and Mara Hoffman have pioneered a wave of change and acceptance in the industry. Models of all body sizes, ages, and physical abilities have made their way onto the runway, and the audience’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Storytelling has become an essential element in many runway shows: each model walking the catwalk is representing a single story or a collective narrative that ties the collection together.
In 2018, clothing brand Chanel made history by sending models of all sizes down the runway. It was a bold move that elevated the fashion landscape to a more inclusive standard, and broke boundaries while inspiring progress in the industry. This event further raised public awareness about the necessity of incorporating various kinds of representation in fashion. In the years that have followed, more designers have embraced the use of diversity in the following fashion season.
Today, sizing, shapes, and gender-neutral styles are increasingly seen on the catwalk. This wave of change has allowed fashion to cater to a larger demographic, and further opened the door to new and unforgettable possibilities. By highlighting a sense of non-conformity and inclusivity, fashion designers are signaling the coming of a new era for the fashion industry that supports freedom of expression and community.
4. Celebrating Diversity: The Evolution of a Fashionable Future
As technology and intellectual capacity continue to progress, the world is rapidly becoming more complex and integrating into a global society. Up until recently, this meant that traditional values and trends could only be seen in a particular area. But as fashion increasingly embraces diversity, an evolution of style standards across the world is emerging.
- Thinking outside the colour box: Diversity and inclusivity are becoming unmistakable influences in the fashion industry. We are seeing more people of colour featuring in fashion editorials and popular models and designers are starting to draw inspiration from cultures other than their own. This affluence of creative ideas is leading to clothing styles that were not typically seen before, like traditional African prints or blending of different colour patterns from different cultures.
- Breaking the sizes rule: The size of the average model on the runway has historically been smaller than the size of the average person. Not so long ago, a size 8 was considered plus size. However, the pendulum is swinging the other way, with designers acknowledging that customers come in all sizes. They are now providing a range of plus, tall and petite sizes, as well as sizes for all shapes and sizes, which has been a welcome breakthrough in the industry.
- Exploring Future Trends: We are starting to see a culture shift where traditional fashion evolves to be more inclusive. This is being enabled by advances in technology that have enabled more customization of clothing for people of different shapes, sizes and culture. For example, with 3D printing, it has become easier for people to create custom designs that might be inspired from different parts of the world.
The changes to the fashion industry that have gathered momentum over the past few years ultimately point to an exciting future. The industry is no longer limited to privileged countries, as more creativity and collaborations are emerging with new ideas and styles seen more widely in an increasingly diverse world. A fashionable future is one that is dependant on individuality and celebrating the rich diversity of cultures around the world.
The fashion industry is ever-evolving, and the embrace of diversity and inclusivity in fashion shows is an important reminder of the progress made since the days of the classic catwalk model. By putting an emphasis on inclusion and diversity, fashion events have proven they can set the tone for a new and more modern era of fashion and beauty. With the industry’s move away from a cookie-cutter view of beauty, fashion shows are better representing contemporary society and creating a more unified stage for all people and body types. The world is watching: will the fashion industry take bold steps forward and continue to redefine fashion shows?
