National Inclusion Week and the Fashion Industry
This week has seen a flurry of articles and events celebrating National Inclusion Week 2024, centered around the powerful theme "Impact Matters."
As organizations across the UK come together to promote inclusion in all its forms, the fashion industry finds itself at a pivotal moment. With a growing recognition of the need for diversity and acceptance, brands are being called to action to not only embrace inclusivity but to embed it into their core values. The challenge is clear: as consumer expectations evolve, the fashion world must adapt, ensuring that every individual feels represented and valued in this vibrant landscape.
Breaking Down Barriers
The fashion industry has historically been slow to embrace disability inclusion. However, the impact of including people with mobility, dexterity, or sensory issues in mainstream fashion is immeasurable. By making fashion accessible to all, we're not just selling clothes – we're selling confidence, self-expression, and the right to participate fully in society.
The Evolution of Inclusion in Fashion
The journey towards inclusivity in fashion has been a long one. In 2020, there was a spike in attention to diversity and inclusion in the industry. Models from diverse backgrounds were cast in shows, and chief diversity officers were instated in luxury houses. However, from 2022 onwards, this attention has tended to wane, not least because many diversity and inclusion budgets are being cut amid economic uncertainties.
Despite this setback, the importance of inclusivity remains paramount. The spending power of historically underrepresented communities in fashion is on the rise. In the future, fashion brands will need to attract these consumer groups or risk becoming obsolete. The most successful companies will be those that embed diversity and inclusion into their business model, marrying purpose with profit to see real change.
Simple Actions, Significant Impact
Disability inclusion doesn't have to be complicated. Small changes can have a big impact:
1. Ask and Listen: Simply asking candidates about their needs during the hiring process can open doors for talented individuals who might otherwise be overlooked.
2. Offer Adjustments: Be proactive in offering reasonable accommodations. This could mean flexible work hours, assistive technology, or modified workspaces.
3. Showcase Diversity: Feature models with disabilities in your campaigns. This not only represents your diverse customer base but also challenges societal norms.
4. Design for All: Embrace the principles of inclusive and accessible design in your mainstream fashion lines. This approach benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
This isn’t about creating a separate category of clothing; it’s about empowering everyone to find the fashion they love and the functionality they need. We believe that fashion should be accessible, enjoyable, and functional for all, so we ensure that every person can make informed choices and discover clothes that not only fit their style but also meet their unique needs.
Industry Leaders Paving the Way
The British Fashion Council (BFC) has been at the forefront of promoting disability inclusion in the fashion industry. Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC, emphasized the importance of this issue: "The fashion industry has the power to shape perceptions and drive change. By embracing disability inclusion, we're not just creating clothes; we're creating a more inclusive society".
This sentiment is echoed by initiatives like the Valuable 500, which highlights that people with disabilities control over $13 trillion in annual disposable income globally—a market that fashion cannot afford to overlook.
Measuring the Impact
To truly embody the "Impact Matters" theme, we must measure our progress:
- Track the number of employees with disabilities in your workforce.
- Monitor customer feedback on accessibility features.
- Measure the sales and engagement of adaptive fashion lines.
- Survey employee satisfaction and inclusion sentiment.
A Call to Action
This National Inclusion Week, let's commit to moving disability from the "too difficult" box to the forefront of our inclusion efforts. The future of fashion lies in embracing all aspects of human diversity, creating a more vibrant, creative, and inclusive industry for everyone. By making fashion inclusive accessible to all, we're not just changing wardrobes – we're changing lives.