Fashion and inclusivity

Where are we failing as individuals?

We often criticize men for perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards, but we must also acknowledge that, as women, we sometimes succumb to these unattainable (and unhealthy) ideals ourselves.

Don't hold back if someone dares to belittle your worth based on your appearance. Anyone who seeks to undermine your confidence is an adversary and doesn't deserve a place in your life. Of course, I'm not referring to friends who genuinely care about your well-being and support you in leading a healthier lifestyle by offering sound advice and setting a positive example.

However, starving your body to the point where any morsel of food makes you ill while failing to recognize anorexia or bulimia as serious disorders can be extremely dangerous. Placing excessive emphasis on maintaining an alarmingly low body weight indicates a lack of depth and substance and the possibility that you may be incapable of engaging in meaningful conversations that capture people's attention for more than a fleeting moment unless they have something to gawk at. It's crucial to exercise your mind as well. Explore interests beyond yourself and discover something that truly captivates you.

Remember, time spares no one, and gravity can be unforgiving. Regardless of how many cosmetic treatments you undergo, the effects of aging will inevitably show. When that day comes, if the sole aspect you value about yourself is your physical appearance, you may find yourself adrift. Don't let that happen. Stay grounded, maintain your sanity, and be kind to yourself. 

Beauty standards be damned.

A brand turnaround

In my MBA Marketing class many years ago, I composed a compelling case study highlighting the necessity for inclusive representation of all body types within renowned brands such as Victoria's Secret, which held the majority share of the U.S. women’s underwear market. I argued that embracing models with average body types would resonate with a broader audience. It would also make better business sense to cater to a highly untapped market. It was not about a man’s fantasy of what a woman should be but what women want to become and are comfortable with. I projected some numbers in a few colorful bar charts and pie charts that would add to the profit margin. I wanted that A+. But I also believed in that argument.

That era of the Victoria's Secret Angels, with their exaggerated Barbie-like physiques and objectifying allure, has ended in recent years. Their iconic wings, adorned with dazzling rhinestones and feathers weighing up to 30 pounds, now lie dormant in storage. The opulent "Fantasy Bra," adorned with genuine diamonds and precious gems, is no longer a centerpiece of their offerings.

Even though I was a fan of the fashion show, it clearly lacked diversity and inclusivity. Victoria's Secret had long perpetuated a specific stereotype by adhering to a predetermined and narrowly accepted portrayal of femininity. However, as the company was at odds with the evolving cultural landscape, facing heightened competition and internal challenges, its chief executive expressed its ambition to become a prominent global "advocate" for female empowerment.

Why it makes more business sense for brands to be inclusive

Integrating inclusivity into a fashion brand may require considerable effort, but the rewards are undoubtedly worth it. Today's customers are actively seeking out brands that embrace diversity and inclusion. By cultivating an inclusive brand, you not only enhance your reputation as a socially responsible company but also demonstrate your commitment to catering to the needs and desires of your valued customers.

Fashion extends beyond mere trends; it serves as a means of self-expression, allowing individuals to communicate their ideas and showcase their unique personalities. In our diverse world, filled with people of varying abilities, we must create fashion that is both functional and universally accessible—an embodiment of inclusive design.

By embracing the principles of inclusive fashion, you can ensure that your garments cater to a wide range of individuals, accommodating their differing needs, abilities, and preferences. This approach allows you to celebrate the beauty of diversity while ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of fashion, regardless of their unique circumstances.

When you prioritize inclusivity in your brand, you create a more welcoming and accepting space for all individuals. By offering inclusive options, you empower people to express themselves authentically, fostering a sense of belonging and self-confidence. In doing so, you not only cater to the diverse needs of your customers but also foster a deeper connection with them, establishing your brand as a trusted ally on their journey of self-expression.

What should a woman wear?

Women in Denmark who are found wearing niqab and burqa can now expect to be penalized for the ‘illegal act’ - more than £100 for the first offense and up to £1,200 with a potential jail sentence of up to six months. At the other extreme of the spectrum was what I read in ’I am Malala’ where the Taliban could choose to shoot a woman in the face if she refused to wear a hijab.

Fashion has changed over the years, from corsets that constrained the respiratory system so much that women needed fainting couches to bullets bras with circular stitches that made your boobs a weapon for your defense to the realization that women can wear pants to work too.

The western world appears very modern from a distance because it allows its women to wear whatever they want. But modernity is not a function of what you wear. You can wear a pair of jeans, but you might have Paleolithic ideas about gender roles. You might cover yourself from head to toe and still be championing for women’s right to education. Also, a deep cut blouse or a short skirt doesn’t make you sexually promiscuous.

For years, men thought that women dress up to get their attention. And women think it is for competition. That is a very antediluvian way of thinking. They didn’t get the memo that women (and men and pangender people) can wear whatever they want as long as the occasion is appropriate. You won’t wear shorts to a board meeting or a burqa to a beach (if your belief system is not strictly Islamic). In fact, what you wear should be no one’s business but yours.