Since May 26, as we all know, the world rose against the injustice that became clearer in the wake of George Floyd’s death, may he be remembered well. Many took to social media to share stories, to bring awareness and to spread the word, bringing light to the Black Lives Matter Movement. A couple Tuesdays ago, many also participated in #BlackOutTuesday, a movement quickly pointed out for its counterproductiveness and intentions that made an important movement seem like a trend.
Whilst many of our favourite fashion brands seem to have commented on the movement; sharing stories, captioning #BlackLivesMatter and participating in #BlackOutTuesday, it seems that they are being called out for their lacking sincerity. ‘Charges of hypocrisy have plagued brands’ says CNN, commenting on large fashion labels such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Reformation and Anthropologie. Prior workers of some of these large brands have come out with stories of racial profiling, all allegations which have been denied or have not been commented on. Rumours flew surrounding Vogue socialite Anna Wintour as workers spoke up on their experiences with racism at the magazine.
The fashion industry has prided themselves in the increase of black representation throughout the 21st century but as said so many times before: it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be vocally anti-racist. A motto that the fashion industry has not practiced enough. To this point, the fashion industry still possesses a systematic disenfranchisement; a term that has caused fashion brands to close the door on black models, designers and workers for the levels of melanin in their skin.
In the same way that we hold celebrities responsible for not using their platforms to speak up on these subjects, we cannot make exceptions for clothing brands who have scraped the minimum with their large following. We need to expect these clothing brands to practice their preaching in donating, sharing and protesting with POC.
Here are some brands that need to be held accountable:
Reformation - they have had a history of racism in their hiring techniques and have not directly spoken up about the injustice that is happening in the world today
Zara - the epitome of a lacking representation and predominant use of white models
H&M
Nike
Topshop
Miss Selfridge
In The Style
Pretty Little Thing
Revolve
Boohoo
ASOS
Dolls Kill
Refinery29
Brands who have failed to pay up:
Primark
Gap - with a history of racial profiling and a lack of representation of any culture, not only POC
Free People
Urban Outfitters
Anthropologie
Fashion Nova
Forever 21
Banana Republic
There may be more that I have failed to mention. I would also like to point out that in this time of crisis, one of the most sustainable and best things you can do for your community is shop at smaller brands.
We have to hold the fashion industry responsible for their lack of support in the same way we jump to ‘cancel’ celebrities. KEEP THE SAME ATTITUDE.
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