Behind the Scenes: Challenging Racism in the Fashion Industry In the Wake of a Revolution

In the wake of a global outcry for the senseless death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, staying silent is the worst thing one can do at this moment.

Especially in the fashion industry.

Seeing as this industry (along with countless others) continues to profit from the black community, taking a stance in this moment or remaining silent speaks volumes.

Image Source: Steamboat Pilot

Racism in the world of fashion as we all know is not new, the time for action to dismantle the systemic racism that permeates this industry is now. That action begins with collaborating with black designers, models, photographers, writers and other black creatives to truly represent and create a space for the black community respectably.

It's time for fashion brands to do more than make statements and commit to doing the hard work it's going to take to combat racism. Action begins with cutting ties and speaking up to those who refuse to create a space of inclusion or care to listen.

No more to hair stylists that ‘can’t’ work with black hair.
No more to creators that limit how often or how many black people can be used in a campaign.
No more taking black culture for content inspo only to dress non-black models to fit the ‘aesthetic’.  

This revolution is not a trend or a #BlackLivesMatter moment. The fashion industry has tiptoed around the issues and remained silent for long enough and now is the time because we see you, do you see us now?