How the fashion industry is addressing the issues of diversity and representation

Campaigns such as Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate have brought about calls for equality and justice from all sectors, including the fashion industry. And one of the ways the fashion world is shedding light on these issues is by championing diversity and representation, shares Remi Landau.

Social media is among the many tools brands utilize to boost their reach and get their message across to audiences. A double-edged sword, social media has made fashion democratic. Followers can call out fashion and beauty brands for lacking the colors and shades that complement other skin colors. On the other hand, they can praise brands that are quick to include and represent people of color, steering the industry toward the direction of inclusion and representation.

There is a need for the fashion industry to maintain an advisory board that enlists the expertise of fashion experts, entertainment forerunners, and leaders from various influences and backgrounds to help promote cultural mindfulness, diversity, inclusion, and representation in all campaigns. Instead of turning to casting to portray diversity and inclusion in campaigns, it must be initiated from the top, with people from different ethnicities leading fashion organizations, notes Remi Landau.

The answer to the issues of representation and inclusivity is farther off than many would like to think. Black and Asian designers receive less capital than their white counterparts. While achieving real equality and representation would require people of color to climb steep slopes, it’s not impossible. Systemic racism can be overcome as insiders help more designers speak their truth through their work.

Remi Landau served as an accessories intern in Harper’s Bazaar where she was responsible for assisting the head of digital marketing and coordinating the placement of accessories for fashion editorial shoots. Click here to read more updates.