Nearly two years into fashion and beauty’s reckoning with the realities of representation, there are more faces of color at the table, which is wonderful to see. But their presence alone won’t suffice to tick the DE&I box–equity is the ultimate aim.
That’s why we’ve chosen to focus this year’s Fairchild Media Diversity Forum around the theme, “Fashioning Equity.” Taking place virtually on March 23, the forum will explore what it really takes to get to the next level of this work.
The issues with racism and exclusion haven’t dematerialized, but the way forward to fairness has come into clearer focus for many in the industry. Today, it’s about balancing diversity, equity and inclusion while advancing each and leaving none behind. It’s about giving voice and power to those who have finally been brought to the table.
KeyAnna Schmiedl, global head of culture and inclusion at Wayfair, and one of Fortune’s 2021 40 Under 40, who will give a keynote at the forum, is one person working to give voice to those who haven’t had it. And in one of our discussions, Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing, designer Victor Glemaud and Brandice Daniel, founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row, will discuss what Black leadership and legacy means for fashion in a talk that will honor the late Virgil Abloh.
The Diversity Forum will be brimming with impactful sessions and discussions, and will also feature two networking breaks to facilitate an exchange of ideas and best practices with your peers.
I welcome your presence and looking forward to turning these discussions into action to create fundamental and lasting change for the future of fashion and beauty.
Sincerely,
Tara Donaldson
Executive Editor, WWD
Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Fairchild Media
