Fashion Week’s Diversity Problem: Tokenism on the Runway
Every year, the fashion world eagerly anticipates the highly-anticipated Fashion Week, where designers showcase their latest and most stunning collections on the runway. From the latest trends in haute couture to the most talked-about street styles, Fashion Week never fails to captivate the hearts and minds of fashion enthusiasts. However, underneath all the glitz and glamour of this prestigious event lies a deep-seated issue that has long plagued the fashion industry – diversity, or rather, the lack thereof.
The Tokenism Trap
In recent years, diversity and inclusivity have become hot-button topics in the fashion world. With the rise of social media and the growing demand for representation, many fashion brands have made conscious efforts to be more diverse in their campaigns and runway shows. While this may seem like a much-needed positive change, many critics argue that the fashion industry has resorted to a practice known as tokenism – using one or a small number of minority models to give the illusion of diversity.
The Illusion of Diversity
Tokenism in the fashion industry is a complex issue that goes beyond the surface-level representation of diverse models. While it may seem like a step in the right direction, tokenism is merely a superficial attempt to appear diverse without addressing the underlying issues of inclusivity and representation. By placing a token minority model on the runway or in a campaign, fashion brands are essentially using them as props to create an illusion of diversity. This not only belittles the efforts of genuine diversity but also perpetuates the idea that minorities are simply a trend or a fashion statement.
The Impact of Tokenism
The effects of tokenism on the fashion industry are far-reaching and damaging. For one, it reinforces harmful stereotypes and perpetuates the idea that only a certain type of model – usually thin, white, and conventionally attractive – can embody beauty and elegance. This not only excludes people of color, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community from the fashion world but also perpetuates a narrow and unrealistic standard of beauty.
An Overwhelmingly White Runway
In 2019, The Fashion Spot’s diversity report revealed that out of the 7,300 models who walked in 221 major shows across New York, London, Milan, and Paris fashion weeks, 69.8% were white. In contrast, Black models represented only 8.7% of the total, while Asian and Latinx models made up 6.7% and 4.8%, respectively. These numbers have sparked outrage and calls for greater diversity, but the fashion industry remains slow to change.
Moving Beyond Tokenism
In order to truly achieve diversity in the fashion world, the industry must move beyond tokenism and make genuine efforts towards inclusivity and representation. This includes diversifying not only the models on the runway but also the designers and creatives behind the scenes. Fashion brands must also take responsibility for their actions and make a conscious effort to educate themselves and their teams on issues of diversity and inclusion.
The Call for Change
Despite the slow progress, there have been some positive changes in the fashion industry, giving hope for a more diverse future. Brands like Savage x Fenty, Chromat, and Gypsy Sport have been at the forefront of diversity and inclusivity, featuring models of different sizes, races, and genders on their runways. Social media has also played a significant role in amplifying the voices of minority communities and holding fashion brands accountable for their actions.
As the fashion world continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, it is crucial that the industry recognizes the importance of diversity and takes genuine action towards inclusivity. Fashion Week, as a global platform, has the power to influence and shape societal perceptions of beauty and fashion. It is time for the industry to use this power for good and move away from tokenism towards a more diverse and inclusive future.
