Diversity as a trend

The recent and widespread outrage as a result of brands failing to represent diversity, has been huge. In January 2018 the makeup brand Tarte came under fire, for its very limited selection of concealer shades, particularly for darker complexions.

 

Just this month Victoria secret came out as being against hiring trans/curvy models for their annual show, which understandably upset lots of people.

 

Many believe however, that despite some of the recent controversial examples, fashion as an industry has still come a long way. A journalist for Elle magazine- Kenya Hunt, wrote in an article about how as recent as 15 years ago the difference in todays level of diversity was unrecognizable. Back in the early 2000s it was the era of pretty much exclusively European models ruling the runways.

In recent years we have seen a variety of brands represent diversity in many different forms. Brands such as J.Crew and Simone Rocha, have been seen celebrating woman of all ages by casting models like 70 year old Jan de villenuve.

  In 2018 non-binary models on the runways saw a major rise from last season’s 33 appearances, to 53 appearances this season.

Even drag queens have begun to be represented, with 25 drag performances in this season’s shows.

And of course perhaps the most notoriously diverse brand, Rihanna's Fenty, did not fail to deliver once again. The Fenty show displayed a large variety of races, body sizes, and even visibly pregnant models.

 

Although it is clear that fashion has clearly taken steps forward in the way of diversity, it has been the target of criticism for lack of inclusivity for decades, and still is. It seems as though the fashion industry has failed to keep up with the changing political, and social status of society. Fashion being A industry with so much power and influence, it does leave me wondering why it seems to be taking so long to get diversity right?

The sudden influx in diversity in the industry is of course positive.  however the suddenness of it, usually as a response to criticism, and it constantly being referred to as a ‘hot topic’, that leaves some people doubting the longevity of diversity. The way that diversity s talked about implies to some people that it may go away, and that it is like lots of things that so quickly gain in popularity, a passing trend.

It is no secret that diversity is a lucrative business. In 2016 Rihanna (creator of Fenty), single handily increased Puma’s sales by 3.7%. The clear financial rewards of including diversity can be seen as positive but does also leave you wondering if like most things, diversity in fashion is all about money.

Potential evidence to support the claim that diversity is just a passing trend could be seen just this year. A survey showed that the use of plus sized models on runways in 2018 hit a record low, the lowest it has been since 2015.

Whether diversity is a trend or not, the need for it is still majorly important. As a society we can never stop making noise and stirring outrage about brands lack of diversity, and them ‘slacking’ in this area. Brands must be steadily and consistently called out on the issue. Change takes time, and ultimately brands give out what they think we as consumers want and will buy. Even though I do believe that brands should be taking more personal responsibility, it is all about money, and we as the public are the only ones who can stop diversity becoming a passing trend.