Blog Post:
Fashion has always been a reflection of society, and as society becomes more diverse and inclusive, the fashion industry has also taken steps to embrace this change. In recent years, we have seen an increase in diversity on the runway, with fashion designers incorporating models of different races, sizes, ages, and abilities into their shows. This shift towards inclusivity has been a long time coming, and there are several fashion designers who have been leading the way in embracing diversity on the runway. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the top fashion designers who have championed diversity and inclusivity on the runway.
1. Christian Siriano
Christian Siriano made headlines in 2016 when he featured five plus-size models in his New York Fashion Week show. This was a groundbreaking move, as plus-size models were rarely seen on the runway before. Siriano has since continued to champion diversity by featuring models of different sizes and races in his shows. He has also collaborated with brands like Lane Bryant to create size-inclusive collections, making fashion accessible to women of all sizes.
2. Chromat
Chromat is a swim and athletic wear brand that has been at the forefront of diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. The brand has consistently featured models of different races, sizes, and abilities in their runway shows. In 2018, they made history by casting the most diverse runway show ever, featuring models of all sizes, races, and abilities, including a model in a wheelchair and a model who was nine months pregnant.
3. Pyer Moss
Pyer Moss is a fashion brand by designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, known for its bold and politically charged designs. In 2015, Jean-Raymond made a statement by featuring only black models in his runway show, challenging the lack of diversity in the fashion industry. Since then, Pyer Moss has continued to push boundaries and embrace diversity on the runway, featuring models of different races, sizes, and ages in their shows.
Fashion Designers Who Embraced Diversity and Inclusivity on the Runway
4. Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger has been a household name in fashion for decades, and in recent years, the brand has made a conscious effort to be more inclusive. In 2016, they launched a collection in collaboration with Gigi Hadid, which featured a range of sizes from 2 to 22. This was a significant step towards inclusivity, as most designer collections are only available in sizes 0 to 4. The brand has also featured models of different races and abilities in their shows, making fashion more diverse and accessible.
5. Rihanna and Fenty
Rihanna’s fashion line, Fenty, has been a game-changer in the industry. In 2019, she made history by being the first black woman to launch a luxury fashion line with LVMH. Fenty has also made inclusivity a top priority, with their first runway show featuring models of different races, sizes, and genders. The brand has received praise for its diverse casting and for featuring models with disabilities, including a model in a wheelchair.
6. Prabal Gurung
Prabal Gurung is a Nepalese-American fashion designer known for his bold and colorful designs. He has long been an advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry, and his runway shows are a testament to that. Gurung has featured models of different races, sizes, and abilities in his shows, and he also uses his platform to raise awareness for important causes. In 2017, he created a collection that featured slogans such as “Love is Love” and “We will not be silenced,” in response to the political climate at the time.
7. Savage x Fenty
Rihanna’s lingerie line, Savage x Fenty, has also been a leader in embracing diversity and inclusivity. The brand’s fashion shows are much more than just a runway, they are a celebration of all body types, races, and genders. The brand has featured models of all sizes and abilities, including pregnant models, making lingerie more inclusive and representative of all women.
In summary, the fashion industry has come a long way in terms of diversity and inclusivity on the runway. These fashion designers, along with many others, have been instrumental in making fashion more representative of society. By featuring models of different races, sizes, ages, and abilities, they are sending a powerful message of acceptance and inclusivity. We can only hope that this trend continues and that fashion becomes more diverse and inclusive in the years to come.