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The fashion industry has a massive influence on the general population. Still, when it comes to BIPOC representation within the industry, one can think of only a handful of designers and stylists who have found their voice. To open the doors of the fashion industry that were previously kept shut for people of color, several organizations and networks were established. However, bringing them to life was not easy; society suffered great losses before some actions were taken. Here are some of the few organizations that came into existence over time.
Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) is one of the first agencies with the objective of bridging the gap between brands and designers of color in the fashion industry. Through strategic brand partnerships, collaborations, new media, experiential marketing, recruitment, and pipeline programs, HFR fosters essential relationships that promote diversity and inclusion. Founded in 2007 by CEO Brandice Daniel, HFR has partnered with major corporations like Target, Macy’s, and Covergirl, making it one of the first organizations focused on elevating BIPOC designers. This pioneering work has paved the way for other organizations to champion BIPOC’s inclusivity in fashion.
In response to the tragic loss of George Floyd in June 2020, Sandrine Charles and Lindsay Peoples Wagner established the Black in Fashion Council to measure and promote Black inclusivity within the fashion industry. The council quickly gained traction, signing contracts with nearly 100 companies, including Tiffany & Co., PVH Corp., The RealReal, Calvin Klein, Farfetch, Gap, Glossier, L’Oréal, and Moda Operandi.
Around the same time, the Kelly Initiative, named after designer Patrick Kelly, was launched by Kibwe Chase-Marshall, Henrietta Gallina, and Jason Campbell. This initiative urged the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to consider an industry-wide census to improve transparency and accountability regarding Black professional inclusion in fashion. The Kelly Initiative’s four-point plan aims to increase industry transparency and accountability.
The Fifteen Percent Pledge, founded by Aurora James of Brother Vellies, calls on major retailers, beyond just fashion, to allocate 15 percent of their seasonal purchases to Black-owned businesses, reflecting the 15 percent of the U.S. population that identifies as Black. Early adopters of this pledge include Sephora, West Elm, Rent the Runway, and Yelp.
To further support these efforts, the CFDA established The CFDA Black Advisory Board. This board collaborates with various organizations to amplify their impact and support their missions of enhancing BIPOC representation and inclusivity in the fashion industry.
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