Diversity news and archive

Podcast: How can the creative sector become more inclusive?

Designer Samuel Ross of the brand A-Cold-Wall is committed to fostering more diversity in the fashion industry. But how exactly do you do that, encourage diversity? Source: The Business of Fashion Podcast

BusinessFeatured

How the industry can support a just and inclusive transition towards circular fashion

A recent panel discussion at the Sankalp Global Summit 2023 on 19th October in Mumbai looked at how a just and inclusive transition towards circular fashion is possible and how different industry stakeholders can support it. Starting at the bottom, Mansi Kabra from non-profit labour innovation company Good Business Lab pointed out that in most...

PeopleFeatured

Kering called out for lack of diversity in top design jobs

The departure of Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen signifies not only the conclusion of her 26-year tenure at the British luxury brand but also marks the absence of female creative directors among Kering's top fashion houses. Kering, which owns brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Brioni, currently employs creative...

Fashion

Champion's new campaign spotlights 6 diverse creators

Champion Athleticwear, has announced its global campaign, "Champion What Moves You." This initiative aligns with the sportswear giant’s mission to provide a platform for individuals to embrace their true purpose. The campaign celebrates a diverse array of real Creators, spanning musicians, street artists, and craftsmen, at the forefront of its...

Retail

BRC calls on retailers to make ‘meaningful change’ through D&I strategies

A report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has found that 66 percent of retailers in the UK have no specific targets when it comes to diversity and inclusion (D&I), prompting the organisation to urge for more “meaningful change” in this area. Titled ‘Diversity and Inclusion in UK Retail’, the report, made alongside The MBS Group, did note...

Fashion Featured

Study reveals most common complaints of plus-size fashion consumers

While the average consumer today is considered 'plus size’ - that is wearing size 16 UK (44 EU or 18 US) or larger - plus-size clothing remains grossly underrepresented in the fashion industry. Despite the plus-size clothing market estimated to be worth over 11,1 billion US dollars in 2022 and there being 32 billion views on video hosting...

RetailFeatured

Square's Forward program awards funding to 25 Black and Latino small businesses

Forward, the accelerator program by Square to support early-stage Black and Latino small businesses in the retail sector, received over a thousand applicants by its April 1st deadline. The majority were women-owned businesses. The inaugural program was launched in partnership with 1863 Ventures, American Express, and Social Change Fund United,...

Fashion

Vogue Philippines features oldest model, a 106 year-old tattoo artist

It is not often seniors grace the cover of fashion magazines, let alone centenarians. Enter Vogue Philippines, where Apo Whang-Od, a 106 year-old tattoo artist from Buscalan, a village some twelve hours from Manila, is featured on the publication’s April issue. The first female tattoo artist in her region at the time, Ms Whang-Od began her...

Business

Nike selects former Twitter exec as new chief DE&I officer

Sportswear giant Nike has named James Loduca as its new chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, succeeding Jarvis Sam who left the company in November. Loduca announced the appointment on his LinkedIn, where he said: “In an increasingly polarised time, sport is one of the few things that still brings us together. “Nike believes that if...

Business

Nordstrom partners with The Folklore Group to diversify brand assortment

Department store retailer Nordstrom has announced a new partnership with The Folklore Group in a bid to expand and diversify its brand assortment. The deal will see the US chain utilise The Folklore Connect platform, an e-commerce tool that aids in the identification of fashion and lifestyle brands founded by Black, Latinx, Asian and other...

Business

Fashion industry-backed Black Carpet Awards takes place for first time

The Black Carpet Awards, an event created by the Afro Fashion Association, took place for the first time on the evening of February 24, in conjunction with Milan Fashion Week. Despite it being the debut edition, the award ceremony had already found many partners in the fashion industry, including the likes of Capri Holdings, Condé Nast and Vogue...

Business

The (Fashion) Minority Report launches newspaper

As part of its efforts to drive conversations around equity, inclusion and culture, The (Fashion) Minority Report has unveiled a new newspaper that looks to spotlight these discussions in the creative sectors. Unveiled ahead of London Fashion Week during an event at Browns, ‘The Reporter’ is to be an inaugural publication, available in both...