Beneath The Crown

Inclusion

The creative team gathered around the sleek, glass-topped table in the conference room, eager to brainstorm ideas for the winter-fall fashion show. As we settled into our seats, the air was thick with anticipation.

I sat at the head of the table with my Macbook open and a screen showing a blank canvas for ideas. Suzette was in charge of the design team, but I took control today because of an emergency.

Ideas poured from each member, but none of them caught her attention. Not even Suzette's thoughts stirred her up. It's all just the same suggestion as the Kardashians. She wanted more uniqueness, but they needed to meet what she sought.

I waited for the right moment to share my unconventional proposal. "I've been pondering something rather unique for this season. It was a concept that encouraged people to set aside the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary." I said, carefully picking my words.

All eyes were drawn to me, with expectant beams on everyone's faces. "Diversity has been a common thread in the fashion industry."

I continued, "And it's time to set a good example. I recently came upon an outstanding model with vitiligo. Winnie Harlow, for instance, is not only stunning in appearance but also an inspiration to many others."

The room was filled with a whisper of intrigue. Vitiligo, a skin disorder that causes depigmented areas, was a rare sight on the runway. For sure, it would leave a lasting impression on their brand.

I spoke firmly, "I propose that we take into consideration casting her as a model for this season's show and even extend an offer to make her our brand ambassador."

Suzette nodded thoughtfully. "That's an intriguing proposal, and it aligns with our mission to challenge industry norms and celebrate diversity."

As the team debated the possibilities, I could sense a building of excitement in the room. "How do we find the right model?" someone wondered.

"Let's reach out to agencies that specialize in diverse talent," our stylist, famed for her originality, replied. "We can cast a wider net and ensure that our runway genuinely reflects the vast diversity of the world."

A timid voice suddenly raised her hand, and all her eyes bore into her, "I have another idea." She was almost whispering and didn't dare look into any of our eyes.

"It's okay, you can speak freely." She said, encouraging her more. Ideas are very welcome in this room.

"Since we are talking about diversity, can we perhaps add more to the list, like models with albinism, black, or anything that is unique and that has a story so we could emphasize more about 'diversity'?" Then she looks at me straight in the eye. She, for one, is a black woman.

As she suggested, I couldn't help but observe the thoughtful expression on the face of one of our team members, a black woman herself. She caught my gaze, her eyes brimming with determination and awareness.

"I couldn't agree more. True diversity entails representing people of all colors and backgrounds. It is not sufficient to concentrate exclusively on one facet of diversity," she said, her voice filled with passion from personal experience.

As my colleagues digested the significance of this perspective, the room became silent. It was a wake-up call that our commitment to diversity had to be broad, including various cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds.

Suzette agreed with a nod. "Diversity isn't just a checkbox; it's a fundamental value we should embody in all aspects of our work."

The meeting proceeded, with the team eagerly looking for methods to improve the diversity in our presentation. All other suggestions followed, like hiring Asian models and full-size models.

"Let's also think about how we can authentically showcase diversity in our campaign," Jai added. "It's not just about the model but the overall message."

As the meeting progressed, it became evident that my approach had touched a nerve with the team. There was widespread agreement that this concept had the potential to have a considerable impact not only on the fashion business but also on society as a whole. The room was now alive with brainstorming, with ideas flying as we began to lay out the practical steps to make this vision a reality.

"How about we include a representative from the l***q+ community?" another designer asked, gaining a few glances from the team.

"I have no objection to that. Inclusivity doesn't only pertain to what we can physically see but also what's deep within." Suzette voiced out her opinion, getting nods from the team.

"It would also benefit us as they have a wide community." The designer agreed.

"I realized that if we truly want to gain public favor and remain relevant in an ever-changing world, we must embrace inclusivity. Learning to appreciate the beauty and strength of representing a diverse range of ethnicities, backgrounds, and experiences." Suzette explained more.

"Do you agree with that, Miss Harlow?" Suzette asked while she was busy with her Macbook, not doing anything really, but she just didn't wanna comment on that one.

"That's fine too, you can include it." She answered nonchalantly.

The team proceeds to choose other models.

"How about we make Sofia Jirau the star model instead?" Davi, who had just entered an hour ago, voiced out. All eyes are on her.

"Hmm, it's actually not a bad idea," Suzette agreed. So, they decided to change the first plan instead.

"That's an intriguing proposal, and it aligns with our mission to challenge industry norms and celebrate diversity." She added more. She's open to suggestions, so if the majority agrees, it's no problem with her for as long as the company will benefit from it.

A designer leaned forward, their eyes bright with excitement. "Not only would it be a game changer for our brand, but for the entire fashion industry." Representation is essential."

She added, "Imagine the impact of having her as the face of our brand. It sends a strong message."

I was starting to realize the importance of inclusiveness, which I hadn't previously recognized.

The fashion industry was not static; it reflected the society it lived in. And, in today's expansive globe, our brand had to reflect humanity's complex taste.

At the end of the meeting, they reached the verdict on hiring additional models: Connor Wright, Nyjah Abdullah, Alfonso Javier, Bretman Rock, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Khoudia Diop, Pooja Mor, Elibeidy Dani, Kelsey Merrit, Fernanda Ly, Kris Gottschalk, Herieth Paul, Diansa Vearas, Tess Holiday, Saffi Karina, Robyn Lawley, Yvesmark Chery, Alpha Ndoye, Winnie Harlow, Shaun Ross, Thando Hopa, and Sofia Jirau as the star model of the show.

They ended up with the final list of extraordinary models: members of LGBTQA+, models from different races, models with albinism, models with vitiligo, and the famous model with down syndrome as the show's star.

She believes inclusion is vital in the fashion industry if they want to win the public's favor, a realization she didn't give importance to before.

It was a collaborative effort motivated by the idea that fashion might be a vehicle for positive change. She can already see the end result and is confident that the general public will enjoy it.

The team decided to have an all-nighter starting tomorrow to catch up on making the designs, as they had added more to the list. They promise to finish it on time, in which she believes in them. She also asked to hire more staff so there would be no room for delay, as time is of the essence right now.