Diversity news and archive

Kurt Geiger expands youth academy, commits to hiring graduates

British footwear retailer Kurt Geiger is doubling down on its commitment to diversity in the fashion industry with an ambitious expansion of its Business by Design Academy. The company has pledged to offer roles at its head office to up to 50 percent of the programme's graduates, marking a significant investment in young talent from...

Fashion Featured

The sizeable gap in men's fashion week diversity

As the men's fashion weeks in Florence, Milan, and Paris conclude, a glaring absence on the catwalks has become apparent: the near-total absence of mid-size and XL male models. This oversight not only calls into question the industry's commitment to diversity but also underscores a significant disconnect between fashion's aspirational imagery...

Business

BRC: Retail still lacking in the way of inclusion despite slight improvements

A new report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has outlined slight improvements in the UK’s retail sector in the way of diversity and inclusion, yet such elements remain tough to crack. Together with The MBS Group, the BRC released a Diversity and Inclusion in UK Retail report, looking into areas such as gender, ethnicity and disability,...

Dean of fashion at Parsons seeks societal change with new book, Fashion Education, The Systemic Revolution

Parsons School of Design has been making strides in promoting inclusivity in fashion education, expanding course offerings and providing students with access to diverse perspectives. Upon his arrival as Dean 3 years ago, Ben Barry made it his mission to emphasize the influence of educators on the next generation of fashion professionals,...

Podcast

Podcast: Why fashion has a problem accepting different body types and sizes

Take a listen here to the conversation between host Clara Press of the Wardrobe Crisis podcast and guest Michaela Strack about initiatives in the fashion industry to respect diversity in body types. 'Little has changed,' lament podcast presenter Press and her guest Strack, referring to the 1990s, a time when it was popular to highlight only one...

Fashion Featured

BFC publishes inaugural diversity, equity and inclusion report

The British Fashion Council has coauthored a new report into the diversity in the UK fashion industry with the Outsiders Perspective, the (Fashion) Minority Report and McKinsey & Co. The report marks the first comprehensive report on diversity, equity and inclusion in the fashion industry in the UK, presenting findings from industry-wide The UK...

People

Lululemon founder Chip Wilson stirs controversy over diversity remarks

Lululemon Athletica Inc. (LULU) founder Chip Wilson's remark over the brand's diversity approach has created a controversy. In a recent Forbes interview, Wilson stated, "Lululemon is trying to be everything to everybody. But you've got to be clear that you don't want certain customers coming in." The athletic clothing company, founded by Wilson...

Podcast

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...