Throughout Black History Month, our Level 3 Fashion Retail students have been busy researching how fashion brands are responding to the issue of equality and diversity. They each wrote their own blog about what brands are doing and how this can inspire other brands to follow in their steps. We are so pleased to see our students reflecting on such an important issue and relating it to their industry. To ensure we could share everyone's blogs, we have compiled excerpts from each.
Moschino - Kaci
”I’ve found an article from Dazed n Confused which was celebrating the first black, transgender and physically disabled model to be signed to a big modelling agency, Aaron Philip, but to then be the face of a Moschino campaign is truly amazing. Having an article that brings up the social issues that shouldn’t be an issue and should be celebrated is making me respect Moschino more as they're doing what other people should be. Moschino doing this is setting an example to other brands to do the same.”
Gucci and Vogue - Tilly
“Gucci is set to launch the Scholars Award, where students from historically black Colleges and Universities, as well as students studying marketing, art, film, communications, or any other fashion related courses are encouraged to apply, and can earn up to $20,000.”
“Pop-singer, Lizzo was featured on the front cover of the October 2020 edition of Vogue. This was a big step for Vogue, as she was the first plus-size woman of colour to be on one of their front pages. She also has her own section inside the magazine, with an article and a series of photographs from the same photoshoot at which the cover photo was taken… there’s no doubt that smaller companies will be influenced by this month’s magazine cover.”
ASOS - Gemma
“ASOS pledged they would re-examine every area of their business, such as leadership, recruitment, training, mental health support, charities they back, partners they collaborate with, including the faces they feature and content they create… I personally believe ASOS is truly trying to make a difference and change for the better by changing their brand identity, and what they stand by.”
Black Culture Inspiring Fashion - Faith
“People are also starting to be aware that a lot of the popular fashion trends have been influenced by black people and their culture and are starting to acknowledge and appreciate that.”
Social Media - Maisie
Maisie has really understood the power of social media and the effects it can have when used correctly. “Social media is an amazing place where brands/companies can use their power to make a change.”
The Power of Front Covers - Lucia
“I believe that the fashion industry is starting to tackle the ongoing issues with racism and is trying to make a change, by placing black women on the front cover of these issues as well as making space for black owned business in certain stores.”
Thank you so much to our Level 3 Fashion Retail students for sharing your insights into how fashion brands are embracing and promoting equality and diversity.
