The Fashion Nerd Controversy: Why the Industry Needs to Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
Fashion is an ever-evolving industry where style and trendsetting are at the forefront of all that it represents. Designers must deliver at all times, and every fashionista needs to have their wardrobe updated with the latest High Street pieces or designer labels. However, while the industry has made considerable strides, the fashion world’s deeply ingrained elitism, and a culture of exclusivity is still a reality. The reality is that the industry names itself promoting diversity, and yet it fails to walk the talk. The recent Fashion Nerd controversy highlights how the industry still struggles to embrace diversity and inclusion.
The Problem with the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry is infamous for being exclusive, with specific beauty standards and limited room for diversity in the creative arts. Models, in particular, are chosen for being tall, skinny, and often come from privileged backgrounds.
The Fashion Nerd is a digital fashion platform that highlights and supports emerging designers, beauty brands, and fresh talent. The platform caters to a broader demographic by prioritizing diversity. However, recent comments by one of the platform’s founders, Itaysha Jordan, have shed light on the industry’s inherent racism.
A freelance journalist, Diet Prada, shared screenshots from a Facebook group conversation in which Jordan engaged in deeply offensive remarks that insinuate that darker skin is not aesthetically pleasing. The conversation also included racist comments about Native Americans and people with disabilities. As the screenshots went viral, the fallout was swift, and Jordan stepped down from her position with The Fashion Nerd.
The Consequences of the Industry’s Failure to Embrace Diversity
The lack of diversity in the fashion industry has significant consequences. One of the most significant is the perpetuation of an unattainable beauty standard. The result is a cycle of exclusion that can only be described as discriminatory. This exclusion was highlighted by the Fashion Nerd controversy, which brought into sharp focus the deeply ingrained elitism and exclusivity that remains even within platforms that promote themselves as prioritizing diversity.
Moreover, the perpetuation of these narrow beauty standards puts participants in the industry under enormous pressure. Models and designers often experience an array of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia, all of which can be partially attributed to the industry’s beauty standards. When we look at the consequences of this exclusion, it is clear that it is not just an affront for marginalized individuals, but it also affects the industry negatively.
The Need for a Diverse and Inclusive Industry
The fashion industry needs to embrace diversity and inclusion for several reasons. First, it’s the right thing to do. It’s critical that everyone has a place in the industry, regardless of gender, race, body type, or socioeconomic background. Secondly, the business case is there, and studies have shown that diversity increases the bottom line.
Thirdly, by promoting diversity and inclusivity, we can shift the conversation around beauty standards and help society shift its attitudes about what is aesthetically pleasing. The industry has the power to make a real difference here.
Conclusion
The Fashion Nerd controversy highlights the industry’s ongoing struggle with diversity and inclusion. The dialogue around beauty standards and who is considered beautiful has a real impact on people’s lives. The industry needs to prioritize embracing diversity and inclusion, and this begins with platforms like The Fashion Nerd setting the standard.
We need to shift the conversation from being about what we see in magazines and on runways and focus more on creating inclusive fashion communities. By doing so, we can break down stigmas and create an industry that is inclusive, inspiring, and truly representative of the world.
