BLACK GIRLS IN FASHION: DIVERSIFYING THE INDUSTRY
The Black Lives Matter Movement of 2020 is casting the serious lack of inclusion and representation of Black women within the UK’s fashion industry into sharp relief. Recognising the need for change and access, BGIF is giving a leg up to those who have previously struggled to break through.
Scope
The reignited Black Lives Matter movement in the UK is shining a light on the lack of representation and cultural understanding as well as the racial inequality faced by Black people in the fashion industry – an industry that contributed £35 billion to Britain’s annual GDP in 2019. [1] Black Girls in Fashion is a growing digital and IRL community that provides a safe space for Black women to learn and develop their skills while arming them with practical knowledge to further their fashion careers and business ventures.
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Founded in 2018 by Deborah Tonet, Black Girls in Fashion’s mission statement explains that it works to “support our sisters with the knowledge and tools to equip [their] journey as [they] carve out a career in fashion.” The collective aims to strike up conversations, deliver education, and introduce its community members to successful Black women already in the industry, sharing their stories through articles, interviews, and events. Its following of 2,500 might be modest in the Instagram world but its real-life visibility and impact are strong; Tonet enlists Black women to work at events such as LFW, the BeautyStack launch, and even the ‘Business of Beauty’ event at the House of Commons to get a taste of the various roles within fashion.
BGIF is upping the presence of Black women working at all levels and sectors within the fashion industry. The platform hosts IRL panel talks and Instagram Live sessions with industry professionals who dish out practical information and advice like networking tips and salary negotiation to those just entering the industry. “The platform recognises us in an industry where we're undermined,” says Rhona Ezuma stylist, creative director, and the founder of THIIIRD Magazine, who has worked with BGIF as a guest speaker. “It gives younger generations the opportunity to be validated. It also pushes the visibility of Black women in general.” [2] By exposing the hidden truths of the fashion world, the community continues to expand the awareness and creates discourse around challenging social topics that bring to light the plight Black women face within the fashion industry.
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