Question

- Write a 3-4 paragraph summary of the following interview

- This is for a Capstone II class (A writing class for Business Students)

- Senior level writing is required.

- The subject being discussed is Fashion Inclusivity or Inclusion (specifically the prejudice and stereotyping of MINORITY women at school/workplace)

- This has lead people to discriminate against them for having more "curvy" and womanly features than women from other ethnic groups.

** Interview 1:

1. What do you see as the problem in the community?
I think that the problem is that we have always functioned as a patriarchal, sexist, and ableist society that caters to itself. The reason why it’s functioned as it has for so long is because there has never been the opportunity to have folks in the industry that are representing the community being excluded. We are currently seeing a shift a more acceptance and diversity with most fashion brands, but I believe they are only paying lip service to the situation and not actually making any changes for the brand or company to be diverse and inclusive with its policies. We take Victoria Secret, for example, they have made public statements about not wanting to have trans models, but they are some of the first to put out PRIDE themed products and merchandise. Then you have brands like NIKE who have put out an athletic friendly hijab. Fashion has the ability to push the conversation for inclusion, but they need to do it the right way.

2. Location and Date of the Interview.

July 10, 2019

3. What are some future challenges?
I think that the real challenge will be moving to a more inclusive space while being genuine and making sure the community that has been excluded for so long, be part of the planning process from the start.

4. What are some future opportunities?
I think especially with today’s political climate, fashion brands have the opportunity to spark real and lasting change.

5. What do you consider a positive change that you would like to see within the fashion/clothing industry in the near future?
I would consider a positive change if famous brands used more diverse models, which includes a variety of body sizes and include folks from the disability community, both physical and intellectual, in their campaigns.

** Interview 2 (Not so focused on the same subject as Interview 1, take what you think is useful) :

1. What do you see as the problem in the community? You must summarize what you are researching and your group's problem statement.

I see several problems. However, I will focus on two of them. One of them is the so-called “fast fashion” and another is recognition of designs that are characteristic of minorities such as indigenous groups.

As for the first, women are judged if they repeat the same blouse or wear the same outfit over and over. They are commonly called out and often in a derogative manner. In a social experiment conducted by a pair of newscasters, which were a man and a woman, the woman wore different outfits every day while the man wore the same suit and only switched his shirt and tie. The woman was subject to articles critiquing her fashion choices while no one noticed he wore the same suit. This creates what I mentioned earlier as fast fashion. There is no quality, just the necessity for the “next big thing” only to be thrown away immediately after. Also, this is a matter of how women are portrayed in the media and especially in the fashion world. There is no concern for the environment, producing quality products. Instead of working towards providing representation for all types of women, the focus lies on providing a “cookie cutter” solution for the high demand that exists in fashion.

Regarding the recognition that is often disregarded towards the art created by indigenous groups and other minorities, the issue is two-fold. First, I want to draw your attention to Carolina Herrera’s most recent collection. In this collection, the creative designer took inspiration from Mexican indigenous designs. However, it was not clear whether these communities would benefit at all from this campaign. As a matter of fact, the Mexican government publicly expressed their discontent with the situation. On one hand, this brings us to the matter of representation. Of course it is beautiful to see one’s country be reflected and recognized by the world but not when it is done at the expense of others. On the other, it is clear that these communities are not being paid or receiving any type of benefit from the brand, which is basically becoming rich with the design and the culture from a specific country’s indigenous group. In this sense, representation matters but also there should be greater support of the local community.

2. Location and Date of the Interview.

3. What are some future challenges?

The first challenge is changing the world’s mindset. That is the biggest, although I wish we didnt have to call it that, a grest problem. For people to realize that the world requires more attention drawn to quality and respecting one another and helping each other be comfortable in their own skin. Fast fashion affects everyone but specially women. Now, the greatest challenge for representation and recognition of minority groups is a task that concerns everyone. The biggest challenge is not allowing big brands to benefit from the culture and diversity of others. It is not fair.

4. What are some future opportunities?

Opportunities include supporting campaigns that are welcoming of all types of people and that promote a culture of acceptance. Also, starting to buy from local producers instead of big brands that do not even provide quality. Buying something beautiful does not require for it to be hidden behind a brand or a popular design. There is an opportunity for change everywhere we go.

5. What do you consider a positive change that you would like to see within the fashion/clothing industry in the near future?

As an important change. I would like for the need for push for inclusion to end. Our concerns should not be whether women wear the same outfit again or whether another brand uses inspiration from minority groups. I would like to see brand pushing for several ways to wear the same garment, for different sizes and colors and nationalities. I would like to see indigenous women represented too. And that goes for everybody else as well. I understand that change is slow and not everybody falls into one category. But it is time for respect and representation as well as inclusion to become a priority always. The goal is for inclusion to become the norm.

- Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

The interviews take place between multiple responders to understand the inclusion of different sets of people from all background and women and it also captures the mindset that is prevalent in the community at large. Both interviews show a common pattern of questions and both responders have provided their different viewpoints but both of them include inclusion and stereotyping by community.

The interviews draw light on the problems that are persistent in the community. The responders point that there have not been proper inclusion in the fashion industry. People often criticize women if they do not adhere to the changing fashion regimes. But people have identified these challenges and have started supporting and promoting people from all background. Examples pointed out include the change in attitude from major brands such as Victoria secret and Nike. Nike in particular has come up with new athletic wear which promotes its inclusion for people from all backgrounds. But these promotions have to be done properly. For instance the campaign by Carolina Herrera took inspiration from Mexican designs but there has been no significant benefit to the community. Such campaigns have led to the criticism from communities. While spreading the message of inclusion is absolutely necessary care should be taken to ensure they are done properly with utmost care and respect.

There are big challenges lying ahead. The biggest problem is changing the mindset among the people. The traditional fashion industry does not predominantly include people from all background and this is one reason why the message is not promoted properly. Changing this hierarchy and structure to have more inclusion is also another major challenge but it can be overcome. Both the responders have suggested that fashion industry can act as a catalyst and help in bringing about a change in the mindset of people which is long lasting. They also recommend using these campaigns as a way to supporting and accepting all different types of people. One responder has suggested moving away from big brands if good value is not found in them and rather focusing on local producers who produce quality product.

Both the responders are hopeful of seeing a change in the fashion industry. One key indicator as pointed out in the interview is inclusion of diverse models of variety of body shapes and people from different minority in campaigns. The changes can be seen as positive only when such initiatives are long lasting and becomes a norm in the industry not a few week fad.