Over the following months, protests have carried on against police brutality nationwide. It has become a critical time for Black people to call out racial injustices and disparities that they experience as a means to help others understand that the world is not as equal as some would like to believe. The fashion community has been called to reflect inward on the percentage of Black people in leadership positions, and why is there such. Fashion is an industry that unquestionably profits off of Black culture, ideas and culture, so why is it that a majority of the industry is run by White people? Many brands and publications have been quick to make statements in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, but how many of them are willing to look inward and make the systemic changes that marginalized people have been seeking in order to gain the equal opportunity and representation?
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, stylist and editor Mecca James-Williams says, “If these brands are going to say that Black Lives Matter, they need to ensure that the Black lives within their institutions matter. Franchise them. Have them in leadership roles. This needs to happen now.” As a response to this call to action and need for change, Lindsay People’s Wagner and Sandrine Charles founded Black In Fashion Council, a collective group of people aiming “to represent and secure the advancement of Black individuals in the fashion and beauty industry.”
The Council exists to encourage Black growth within the fashion field to create a much more diversified presence. Currently, the Council has partners among the likes of Conde Nast, Glossier, IMG Models, Capri Holdings along with over 60 other companies to implement the systemic change needed to bring about the Council’s mission. They will continue starting conversations through discussions with their partners in the industry and with the public. This will hopefully motivate people to have those conversations with others around them and create the equity that Black people are seeking. As of recently, they’ve started a biweekly email to help others stay up to date with all internal information and external news. You can follow @blackinfashioncouncil on Instagram and sign up for their newsletter on their website, blackinfashioncouncil.com.