Is The Fashion Industry Racist?
15-07-2016
“The Fashion Debates holds a series of events for industry professionals and the public to come together to discuss issues around the ethics of fashion. Hosted in Central London, the debates aim to empower and inspire individuals and companies to stand up for what they believe in and make our colourful industry better for people and for the planet.”
The Fashion Debates aims to inspire creative to take action on important and crucial topics happening in the world. Their second debate, ‘Is The Fashion Industry Racist?’, proved to be as popular as their first, which questioned ‘Can We Put A Stop To Sweatshop Labour?’.
Hosted by journalist and founder of The Fashion Debates, Olivia Pinnock, the event was panelled by three industry professionals.
Naomi Mdudu – former Fashion Editor of The Metro and Editor of The Lifestyle Edit
Jody Furlong – Founder of The Eye Casting and Trustee for All Walks Beyond the Catwalk
Anna-Mari Almila – Research Fellow in Sociology of Fashion, London College of Fashion
The fashion industry, a £66 billion industry that is arguably one of the most influential and powerful industries in the world is seen by consumers every second of every minute of every day, in stores, on billboards, in print and digital formats. An industry that constantly looks ahead to the next year, to the next collections and the latest trends, is stuck in the past where racism and discrimination still exists.
In Spring Summer 2016, only 22.4% of non-white catwalk models were used and many issues surrounded this lack of diversity. Leomie Anderson, British model for brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Moschino, Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs, addresses these issues in her blog – crackedchinacup.com stating there have been many occasions where hair stylists and make up artists are simply not prepared for models of colour.
“As a black model, if you are not bald and dark enough, you are not seen as exotic.” States Naomi Meduda.
Jody Furlong, goes on to explain how, upon trying to place a black model he was told a brand ‘already had one.’.
“It’s not a problem to be influenced by another culture, but when you are exploiting that culture, it becomes a serious issue.”
“In the industry, there is a disconnect between what the public expect to see and what the people in power allow us to see.”
Jody Furlong concluded “Yes, the fashion industry is racist, but no more than society as a whole.”
So what can be done to ensure that racism is ended in the fashion industry? Who has the ability to make a change, regardless of how big or small this change may be?
“As consumers we have power, but we have to make use of that power.” Jody adds to his previous comment. “We must be aware of this, and if you are aware, call it out.. Say something even if it feels uncomfortable, its in the best interest.”
Naomi Mdudu adds “We have to support those brands who take the tentative steps to address these issues.”
As a company owner, what do you plan to do to help address this issue? We would like to hear from you!
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