Inclusivity in fashion
Inclusivity in fashion transcends clothing. It is an opportunity to express identity and embrace every human nuance. Fashion, as a bold and liberating art form, reflects one’s way of being, thinking, feeling, and living one’s body and preferences.
The concept of fashion embodies subversion, rebellion, belonging, expression, and emancipation. Even when rigid, unwritten social rules dictated specific behaviors, fashion constantly found ways to break these norms, contributing to the definition of new eras. Each decade has seen fashion as a vehicle for significant messages: from the elegance of the 1920s to the changing role of women in the 1960s, the independence of the 1980s, to the current era where fashion becomes fluid, without boundaries or limits, conveying increasingly powerful messages.
Every individual has the right to feel represented and respected in the fashion industry. Inclusivity involves challenging gender stereotypes, rejecting discrimination based on sexual orientation, and promoting respect for all ethnicities, religions, and cultures. Fashion can play a crucial role in educating and inspiring positive change. When brands embrace inclusivity, they send a message of acceptance that goes beyond runways and business itself. Since the industry has the power to reach a wide audience, it is essential that it promotes inclusive values.
Authenticity in Inclusivity
True inclusivity is one of the fundamental values for the success of a business. But how does it distinguish itself from various forms of “washing”? And how does it transform into sustainable actions, processes, and methodologies? Being inclusive means not only proclaiming inclusivity but genuinely practicing it through conscious and consistent choices. Many brands demonstrate that integration can be incorporated into every aspect of the business, from collections to communication, from production processes to customer relations. Being an inclusive brand means embracing diversity in all its forms and making conscious and sustainable choices that reflect these values. It is not enough to use words like “inclusivity” or “sustainability”; it is essential to demonstrate an authentic commitment through concrete actions.
Many renowned brands are dedicated to this goal, but there are also numerous small brands born with an inclusive imprint.
Here are some examples:
Levi’s
Levi’s, known for its active support of the LGBTQIA+ community, decided to celebrate the strength, history, and creativity of this community through the campaign “How Do You Show Up?”. The campaign features individuals from the community expressing themselves uniquely through their personal style and perspective. Levi’s new limited edition collection, characterized by lavender tones, pays homage to the brave activists who fought for LGBTQIA+ rights. This collection openly supports non-binary and fluid gender expression, offering high-quality garments and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable. Levi’s conveys a message of acceptance, support, and celebration of diverse identities and forms of self-expression, demonstrating its commitment to promoting inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens collaborated with illustrator Loveis Wise and Japanese artist Fuyuki Kanai to create two pairs of unisex shoes. Additionally, a third rainbow-inspired design was created, adding a vibrant touch to the classic Oxford 1461 and offering coordinated styles for younger customers. The brand supports The Trevor Project with a donation, contributing to essential mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth. This initiative highlights Dr. Martens’ commitment to promoting inclusivity and supporting the mental well-being of the new generations.
Small Inclusive Brands
Chromat
Chromat stands out for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Founded by Becca McCharen-Tran, Chromat celebrates all shapes and sizes, offering athletic wear and swimwear that highlight all silhouettes. The brand is known for its fashion shows featuring models of all sizes, ethnicities, and gender identities.
Telfar
Telfar Clemens, the founder of the eponymous brand, created a line synonymous with inclusivity and accessibility. With the motto “Not for you, for everyone,” Telfar democratized the concept of luxury, offering unisex bags and clothing at affordable prices. His collections challenge gender conventions and celebrate diversity.
Gogo Graham
Gogo Graham is a designer who creates custom-made clothing for transgender women. Her brand focuses on creating garments that respect and value the specific forms and needs of transgender people, often overlooked by the traditional fashion industry.
Wildfang
Wildfang is a brand dedicated to breaking gender stereotypes in fashion. They offer a wide range of unisex clothing and place a strong emphasis on empowering women and non-binary people. Their collections are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender.
Alder Apparel
Alder Apparel focuses on outdoor clothing for women of all sizes, shapes, and abilities. The brand promotes inclusivity through garments that fit a wide range of bodies, ensuring that everyone can enjoy outdoor activities without limitations.
Rebirth Garments
Rebirth Garments, founded by Sky Cubacub, focuses on clothing and accessories for people of all abilities, sizes, and gender identities. The brand is known for its custom-made pieces, created with the specific needs of each customer in mind, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
Nubian Skin
Nubian Skin is a brand that offers lingerie and hosiery in various nude shades for women of color. Founded by Ade Hassan, the brand was born from the idea that all women deserve to find intimate apparel that matches their skin tone, breaking the standardization in the lingerie industry.
K.NGSLEY
K.NGSLEY, founded by Kingsley Gbadegesin, is a streetwear brand that celebrates Black and queer identity. The brand is known for its bold pieces and dedication to creating a safe and inclusive space for marginalized communities. K.NGSLEY’s collections challenge gender norms and promote self-expression.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective produces sustainable and inclusive athletic wear. The brand is famous for its transparency in production processes and for offering sizes ranging from XXS to 6XL. Girlfriend Collective aims to represent body diversity and promote a more inclusive image of fitness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for me, inclusivity means being exactly who you are, an experience that sometimes develops over time, representing the most extraordinary form of happiness and absolute satisfaction. In my brand, inclusivity is reflected in unisex design, especially in the recent collection “Cocoon: the rebirth of dreams,” which offers the possibility to customize garments with your own size or request bespoke pieces outside the collection. This 360-degree commitment is reflected in the garments and the communicative aesthetics of the brand. I intend to promote this further by giving space to models who reflect reality and body diversity, along with an ethical and social commitment. All garments are made locally and handcrafted, avoiding waste through a slow and responsible production system.