FASHION MINORITY ALLIANCE: REDESIGNING DIVERSITY IN STYLE

By: Prachi Khatri

The Fashion industry has been criticized for its lack of inclusivity, which has prompted a need for change. The Fashion Minority Alliance (FMA) thrives as force to improve awareness and diversity. FMA is a non-profit organization, rooting for equity, representation and lasting change. This organizatio is founded by seasoned BIPOC individuals (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour). These historically underrepresented industry veterans are putting a spotlight on the structural injustices in fashion and have committed to hold the industry accountable to reflect a more diverse range of talent from throughout the world.

FMA was created for the very purpose of bridging the gap between underrated communities entering the fashion industry and thriving within it. Fashion has long been accused of being tone-deaf towards the concerns on inclusion and diversity. While Token hires by companies from a marginalized group are there to show representation but more often than not it is there to appear diverse on the surface and not to promote real diversity.

Source: FMA website

While token jobs and glitzy campaigns are a step toward change, true transformation needs more. This fundamental desire to remove obstacles that keep underrepresented talent from not only entering the industry but also succeeding is the very goal of Fashion Minority Alliance.

The Fashion Minority Alliance was co-founded by Barbara Kennedy Brown and Cheryl Konteh, with the mission of driving lasting change in the fashion industry through promoting perspectives and initiatives that break the cycle of progression and regression.

The team has grown with esteemed seasoned professionals who themselves have navigated the imbalances and exclusions of the industry. With a collective vision of opening doors for new talents and to help existing organizations within the industry learn, grow and foster a more diverse environment, FMA is driving change.

“Diversity. Inclusion. Shared Values. These are more than just words for us. They are the principles guiding our programs within the fashion and beauty industries to end inequality, exclusion, classism, ableism, ageism, sexism, racism, tokenism and elitism” – quoted on FMA website.

FMA’s goal is to work with agencies, institutions, and companies to create long-term equity for BIPOC people and members of marginalized groups, not only on the runway but also in boardrooms and leadership positions. One of their boldest campaigns is to provide paid internship within creative industry to 75,000 creatives from underprivileged areas over the course of the next ten years. The program not only will provide opportunity to address the Underrepresentation of talent in such a tangible and sustainable fashion but also will help in skill development, mentorship and hands-on learning that result in long term success.

Source: FMA website

Fashion Minority Alliance has partnered with Graduate Fashion Foundation to launch “Future fashion” aiming to empower disadvantaged students by giving them the tools and direction they need to succeed in the fashion business. This initiative includes workshops, creation of educational hub to offers tools and support focused on diversity and inclusion.

Various big companies have partnered with Fashion Minority Alliance such as Amazon, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, ASOS, Marks & Spencer etc. To promote diversity in the fashion business, FMA cites a number of areas necessitating change like ensuring diversity is not limited to entry level but reflected across board. Equitable opportunities and fair pay for underrepresented individuals.

This Non-Partisan organization is working collaboratively with the industry gatekeepers to promote and secure the inclusion and belonging of Underrepresented creatives and ensuring that the intersectionality of all our differences are transformed into positive long term industry change.

The Fashion Minority Alliance is a reminder that inclusivity is not only a moral requirement but can be a creative initiative. The future of the industry lies in fresh viewpoints, international narratives, and varied talent that questions the established quo. FMA is assisting fashion in fulfilling its promise of innovation and relevance through collaborations, initiatives, and powerful advocacy. This is a change in progress. And the fashion industry may finally be creating a future where everyone fits, owing to efforts of organization like Fashion Minority Alliance.