Disability Representation Growing in the Fashion Industry
Diversity is the buzzword in the fashion industry, with magazines like Vogue, large fashion companies, and haute couture designers committing to greater diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI). As stated in Forbes, the industry still has a long way to go in terms of transparency and the provision of information regarding the impact of the fashion industries on the Planet. Moreover, disabled people can feel underrepresented – and therefore ‘invisible’ – in the fashion world and much-needed improvement is still to be made. Positive changes have only just begun with a richer, more diverse choice of models but a major paradigm shift is required – one that extends to the employment of more disabled people in positions of power at magazines and beauty and in major fashion houses.
Increasing Visibility of Disabled People
Around 15% of people have some kind of disability in the World, with common disabilities including motor disabilities like cerebral palsy, visual impairments, ADHD, medical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, TBIs, and PTSD. While fashion brands have embraced diverse body shapes and now publish inclusive campaigns featuring models of all races, the representation of disabled persons still lags behind. Slowly, this phenomenon is changing, with models with disabilities shining in social media campaigns and print publications. As stated by the network CP Family, embracing employment opportunities is an important way to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life. Isabella Neville, a model with CP, is a true groundbreaker, having been signed by prestigious modelling agency, Source Models. Isabella, who at age 13 follows supermodels and top fashion brands like the rest of her friends, expressed her surprise at being signed on by such a commercial agency – one with a patent awareness of the importance of diversity when it comes to connecting with millennial and Gen-Z consumers.
Battling Beauty Myths
Authentic representation of disabled people in fashion and other industries is vital if others are to see them as equals that can live full lives. Including disabled models in campaigns can help reshape ideas of what beauty is, promote better self-esteem, and help disabled people find themselves reflected in images of the brands they consume. Groundbreakers like Jillian Mercado (who has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair) have battled ableist myths by landing campaigns for brands like Diesel, IMG, and Beyoncé’s Formation merchandise and by appearing on the cover of Vogue. Other models shining in the media include Debbie van der Putten, Aimee Mullins, Viktoria Modesta, and Elesha Turner.
Disability Inclusion in Fashion
Images of beauty and fashion may be more diverse than ever before, but change still needs to take place in terms of inclusivity in the upper echelons of fashion. Companies with a true commitment to diversity must embrace initiatives that allow them to create a truly diverse team – one that will have a positive impact on aspects such as inclusive fashion design. Companies should strive to develop and implement advocacy strategies, with senior management endorsing disability policies, supporting accommodation support for disabled employees, and engaging in training through partnerships with NGOs, DPOs, and other organizations. Companies should also build networks that support employees with disabilities regarding various queries and company policies.
Diversity is the buzzword in fashion, with numerous houses embracing the use of models of various sizes. The industry still lags behind in terms of the representation of disabled models, though powerhouses like Aimee Mullins, Viktoria Modesta, and Elesha Turner are making waves in a plethora of fashion campaigns. For authentic and lasting changes to occur, of course, fashion houses and editorials need to launch initiatives that ensure that disabled persons are employed in positions in power – those in which they can really make a difference.