The fashion industry is often accused of promoting unrealistic body images, paying lip service to diversity, and excluding people who don’t fit the status quo. But change is afoot. Thanks to a growing number of brave visionaries in the fashion world, the runways are becoming more diverse, inclusive, and representative than ever before. Runway diversity is a crucial step in creating a fashion industry that celebrates all individuals and encourages everybody to be their most true selves.
1) The Rise of Runway Diversity: Boosting Inclusion & Representation
It’s no secret that the fashion industry has, in the past, been famed for its lack of inclusivity and representation on the runway. However, things are taking a turn for the better; the rise of runway diversity is leading to a much-needed boost in both inclusion and representation. Here are the latest developments to note:
- The rise of plus-size models on the runway – we’ve seen well-known plus-size models such as Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser take center stage in fashion weeks and campaigns around the world.
- The introduction of gender-neutral models – we’ve seen models such as Rain Dove, Hari Nef and Andreja Pejić take to the runway as gender-neutral models.
- The appearance of LGBTSIQA+ models – the fashion industry recently welcomed models such as inclusivity activitist Valentina Sampaio and transgender activist person, Casil McArthur.
- A more diverse range of models from all ethnic backgrounds – from Somali Muslim model Halima Aden to Chinese American model Fei Fei Sun and to Afro-Caribbean model Jari Jones, ethnic diversity is being celebrated more and more.
Major fashion houses such as Gucci, Chanel, Fenty and Versace have all onboarded diverse models to represent their brands and collections – and even magazines such Vogue and Elle have been featuring more diverse talent in their latest issues. This is an incredibly positive step forward and means that the traditional fashion landscape is changing, and finally becoming more inclusive.
Production companies and fashion labels showing their support for inclusivity is also providing an opportunity for more people to explore the industry – especially those who may not have traditionally seen themselves represented in it. Runway diversity is a much-needed change in an industry that has, for too long, been clinging onto an outdated and narrow ideal of beauty and aesthetics.
It’s an incredibly exciting time for the future of runway diversity, and the industry as a whole. As our outlook continues to change, we can only hope that fashion continues to move away from traditional ways of thinking and explore the unique aspect of human beauty and diversity.
2) Embracing Differences: Why Celebrating Diversity Matters
In the ever-increasingly interconnected world, it has become more important than ever to understand and embrace one another’s differences. There are countless benefits to celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of acceptance and understanding that can’t be denied.
Reduction in Prejudice and Intolerance
When individuals become aware of the similarities and differences of others, this often helps break down any prejudices or intolerance as they gain an understanding of why other people think, believe, and behave differently. It’s human nature to fear or dislike something that is out of the ordinary, but when we meet people different from ourselves we are then more likely to accept them and embrace them.
Broader Perspective of the World
Diversity challenges us to think outside of the box and experience different perspectives. This could ultimately lead to new ideas, unique solutions to problems, and improved creativity. By meeting people from different backgrounds and walks of life, it opens our minds to fresh new perspectives, opinions, and ideas thus enabling us to gain a more holistic view of the world.
Cultural Enrichment
There’s no denying the beauty and richness in celebrating cultural diversity. Some of the most interesting places to visit around the world are those that house a wide range of cultures whose contributions have resulted in a vibrant atmosphere filled with endless possibilities in the arts, cuisine, and lifestyle.
Increased Communication and Collaboration
- Interacting with people different from us enhances our ability to communicate and collaborate more effectively with diverse groups of people.
- We learn how to appreciate and value each other and are more likely to entertain different opinions and ideas.
- This ultimately develops a sense of connectedness that is beneficial for both personal and professional relationships.
Embracing diversity is essential for building a healthy and tolerant society. Celebrating our differences brings us closer together and helps foster a sense of accepting and understanding that extends beyond race, ethnicity, and culture. Ultimately, by understanding and valuing different backgrounds and perspectives, everyone is a better off.
3) From Culture to Catwalk: Increasing Representation Through Fashion
Diversity Rules the Runway
The fashion industry has come a long way in increasing the representation of different cultures, backgrounds, and identities on the runway. In many ways, fashion is a powerful medium to signal inclusivity in our society. With the help of models of color, people from different faiths, and people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, the fashion world is getting the message of diversity across loud and clear.
Recently, designers have been presenting collections filled with cultural influences. From traditional tailoring techniques to vibrant mother of-ridden designs, the range of cultural representations on the catwalk is growing. These items are created with extreme attention to detail, and bring about a whole new level of sophistication to the runway.
Fashion and society are heavily intertwined, and one cannot prosper without the other. Change has occurred in the industry, however, more needs to happen in order to ensure true diversity in the fashion world.
Change is already in motion thanks to the power of social media. Social media influencers are increasingly turning into voices for difference: championing the value of representation on the runway and in campaigns. This, coupled with the emergence of designer collaborations, has enabled traditionally underrepresented groups more access and visibility when it comes to fashion.
Making an impact on the industry won’t be done overnight, but representation is slowly becoming part of the culture of fashion. This can only be a positive force that brings people together to create an inclusive industry. Steps are already being taken and it’s important to keep progressing in order to ensure all groups are represented in the fashion world.
4) Adopting Change: Celebrating Runway Diversity on and Off The Catwalk
Over the past decade, the fashion industry has seen an emergence of diverse representation on the runways. Ranging from age to size to race and gender, leading labels have embraced models of all types and backgrounds.
For many years, the majority of models strutting the catwalk have been thin and white. But recently, things have been looking up. Many big names in the industry are creating a shift in their approach to stereotypical beauty ideals.
Plus-Size Representation
- Designer brands, such as Savage x Fenty and Universal Standard, are helping to create a new norm in fashion with their use of plus-size models on the runway.
- Similarly, more and more influential labels are featuring a wider range of sizing options in their production lines.
Age & Race Inclusivity
- Breaking the rules of fashion, older women have been seen wearing the same clothes done by models half their age, proving that there is a place for all bodies in the industry.
- Moreover, increased visibility of people of colour has made a lasting impact. International recognition, such as the Nigerian fashion label Orange Culture winning the LVMH award in 2019, makes a strong statement promoting inclusivity.
The fashion industry is finally being forced to embrace a new standard of beauty and accept all shapes and sizes. Diversity, inclusivity, and representation are revolutionising the culture of fashion, and it’s up to us to support it.
Runway diversity is an important step towards equality and inclusivity. It offers a platform for open conversation about inclusion on a global scale. It not only celebrates the beauty of diversity, but creates a culture that embraces individuality in the fashion industry. Let us look forward to a better, more inclusive future — one built on mutual respect and understanding.
