How High Fashion Is Addressing Diversity and Inclusion

In recent years, the fashion industry has undergone significant changes as diversity and inclusion have become central topics of conversation. Historically, high fashion has been criticized for its lack of representation, with an industry dominated by a narrow definition of beauty that often excluded people of color, different body types, ages, and gender identities. However, in recent years, high fashion has started to evolve, acknowledging the importance of diversity and striving to be more inclusive.

As a result, fashion houses, designers, and industry professionals are increasingly embracing diversity and inclusion in their collections, campaigns, and runway shows. This shift is not only making the fashion world more representative but also pushing the boundaries of creativity and expression. In this article, we will explore how high fashion is addressing diversity and inclusion, the challenges it still faces, and the progress that has been made.

1. Increased Representation on the Runway

One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the increasing diversity seen on fashion runways. Historically, fashion shows were often criticized for their lack of representation in terms of race, body size, gender, and age. However, many major fashion houses and designers have made conscious efforts to diversify their casts of models, creating a more inclusive environment for all types of beauty.

Key Examples of Representation:

• Model Diversity: Fashion shows are now showcasing models of different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Designers such as Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton and Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga have made efforts to ensure that their shows feature models of various races and cultural backgrounds, reflecting a global audience.
• Plus-Size Models: The inclusion of plus-size models in high fashion has been a significant step forward in promoting body diversity. Brands like Christian Siriano, Fendi, and Ashley Graham (a plus-size supermodel herself) have championed body inclusivity, challenging traditional beauty standards and offering a broader range of clothing options.
• Age Diversity: High fashion has also seen a rise in older models walking the runway. Models like 70-year-old Maye Musk, who has walked for major brands such as Chanel, have shown that fashion is not limited by age. Designers and brands are increasingly casting older models to celebrate ageless beauty and redefine the idea of “youthful” fashion.

Why it matters: The inclusion of a diverse range of models on the runway signals that fashion is starting to recognize that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. This representation is vital in creating a more inclusive fashion industry where people from all walks of life feel seen, heard, and valued.

2. Fashion Campaigns and Advertisements

High fashion campaigns and advertisements have historically been dominated by thin, young, white models. However, over the last decade, major fashion brands have made strides in embracing diversity in their ad campaigns. This shift reflects broader societal changes, where consumers are increasingly demanding authenticity and representation in the media.

Key Trends in Fashion Advertising:

• Racial and Ethnic Diversity: Fashion campaigns are now more inclusive of models from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Brands such as Prada, Gucci, and Balmain have worked with a range of models, from African and Asian to Latinx and Middle Eastern, reflecting a more global view of beauty.
• Body Positivity and Plus-Size Representation: Body diversity is becoming a central theme in advertising. Brands like Savage X Fenty by Rihanna, Aerie, and Tommy Hilfiger have worked with plus-size models to show that beauty is not limited to one body type. This has been a significant step toward normalizing diverse body shapes and promoting self-acceptance.
• LGBTQ+ Representation: The inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in fashion campaigns has grown in recent years. Gender-fluid and non-binary models, such as Hunter Schafer and Indya Moore, have graced the campaigns of brands like Prada, Marc Jacobs, and Dior. These efforts are helping to broaden the definition of beauty and style, allowing for greater gender expression in fashion.
• Disability Representation: While there is still progress to be made, some fashion brands are starting to include models with disabilities. The inclusion of models such as Jillian Mercado, who has muscular dystrophy, in campaigns by brands like Diesel and Vogue Italia has been a step forward in making fashion more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Why it matters: Inclusive fashion campaigns send a powerful message to consumers, showing that all types of people are worthy of representation. This helps break down stereotypes, empowers marginalized communities, and encourages consumers to embrace their individuality.

3. Collaborations with Diverse Creatives

One of the most effective ways that high fashion is embracing diversity is through collaborations with creatives from different backgrounds. By working with artists, designers, photographers, and influencers from a range of cultures and perspectives, high fashion is able to celebrate diverse voices and introduce new ideas into mainstream fashion.

Key Examples of Creative Collaborations:

• Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton: As the first Black artistic director of a major luxury fashion house, Virgil Abloh’s appointment to Louis Vuitton was a groundbreaking moment in the fashion industry. His work at Louis Vuitton has been widely celebrated for challenging traditional ideas of luxury fashion while infusing the brand with a modern, streetwear-inspired aesthetic.
• Rihanna and Fenty: Rihanna’s Fenty fashion line, launched under LVMH, has been hailed as a major step forward in inclusivity. Fenty’s approach to casting diverse models and creating clothing for all body types and skin tones has set a new standard for what it means to be inclusive in high fashion.
• Diversity in Fashion Photography: Fashion photographers like Tyler Mitchell, who became the first Black photographer to shoot a cover for Vogue with Beyoncé, have opened doors for other underrepresented creatives in the industry. By prioritizing diversity in the visual representation of fashion, high fashion is reflecting a broader spectrum of beauty and culture.

Why it matters: Collaborations with diverse creatives help bring fresh perspectives into the world of high fashion. They offer new interpretations of classic design, celebrate different cultures, and ensure that fashion remains relevant to an ever-changing global audience.

4. Sustainable Fashion and Ethical Practices

Sustainability and ethical practices are deeply intertwined with diversity and inclusion. The push for sustainability in fashion has created opportunities for marginalized communities to participate in and benefit from the industry. Ethical fashion practices, such as fair wages and eco-friendly production processes, are vital in creating a more inclusive and equitable industry for all.

Key Steps in Sustainability and Inclusion:

• Sustainable Brands with a Focus on Diversity: Brands like Pyer Moss, Brother Vellies, and Stella McCartney have not only embraced sustainability but also prioritized diversity in their designs and campaigns. Pyer Moss, in particular, has been lauded for using fashion as a platform to address racial justice and inequality.
• Ethical Labor Practices: Ensuring that workers in the fashion supply chain are treated fairly and paid a living wage is a key part of promoting inclusion. Brands that work with artisans and workers from marginalized communities are helping to create more equitable opportunities in fashion.
• Community Empowerment: Several fashion houses are beginning to collaborate with marginalized communities to promote diversity in the supply chain. For instance, brands like Fenty and Adidas have supported initiatives that empower women in fashion and provide educational opportunities to underrepresented groups in design and craftsmanship.

Why it matters: The intersection of sustainability and inclusion ensures that the benefits of the fashion industry are not concentrated in the hands of a few but are shared more equitably among diverse communities. Ethical fashion practices help foster a more inclusive industry while promoting environmental and social responsibility.

5. The Role of Social Media in Promoting Diversity

Social media has played a pivotal role in pushing the fashion industry toward greater diversity and inclusion. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have democratized fashion, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to showcase their style, promote inclusive brands, and build movements around body positivity and racial equality.

Key Social Media Movements:

• #BlackAndBeautiful and #BlackLivesMatter: Social media has given fashion influencers and activists a platform to challenge the lack of representation in fashion. Movements like #BlackAndBeautiful and #BlackLivesMatter have raised awareness about racial inequality in the fashion industry, leading to greater inclusivity in campaigns and collections.
• Body Positivity Movements: Influencers like Tess Holliday, Ashley Graham, and others have used social media to promote body positivity and demand representation for plus-size models in high fashion. These influencers have become key figures in the fight for more inclusive beauty standards in fashion.

Why it matters: Social media allows marginalized groups to bypass traditional gatekeepers in fashion and share their own stories, styles, and experiences. This has forced the fashion industry to listen, learn, and take action in terms of inclusivity, leading to more diverse and authentic representations of beauty.

Conclusion

The fashion industry has come a long way in addressing diversity and inclusion, but there is still much work to be done. High fashion, once criticized for its lack of representation, is now moving toward a more inclusive and dynamic future. From more diverse runway casts to campaigns that feature models of all sizes, races, and genders, fashion is evolving to reflect the world’s diversity.

As consumers continue to demand authenticity and inclusivity, high fashion will likely continue to evolve, pushing boundaries and making room for underrepresented voices. This shift not only helps redefine beauty standards but also creates an environment where fashion is for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or body type. The industry’s continued focus on diversity and inclusion will make fashion more accessible, empowering people worldwide to embrace their unique identities.