There is cause for alarm in the British fashion industry where inclusivity and greater representation continues to be lacking, impacting a loss of potential revenue. It also provides solutions for addressing the far-reaching, social, and cultural implications of a less inclusive fashion sector.
Accodring to the recent survey, 85 percent of respondents do not feel represented. The major part of respondents doesn’t feel represented by advertisements, fashion services, or fashion shows. 83 percent said that an organization’s ideological positioning in terms of inclusion has a significant impact on their decision to buy or not.
“It is my hope that this paper is read widely, both by industry and government, and that our recommendations serve as a roadmap towards a more inclusive, representative and successful UK fashion industry”, said Dr Lisa Cameron MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Textiles and Fashion. Mahawatte said, “I hope the government and the industry can take our warnings seriously and attempt to correct the imbalances that we encountered by exploring further avenues in the area of research.”
Lottie Jackson, journalist, disability activist and editor of Fashion Roundtable said: “For me, the matter extends beyond numbers and commercial incentives. It is morally imperative to achieve greater fashion representation. It is imperative that we challenge archetypal norms that tell us beauty is found only in archetypal norms. True representation is about authenticity and empathy, collaboration, and cooperation. We must do all we can to ensure that every identity is heard, valued, and displayed in fashion and politics. This is where beauty really lies.”
