United in Diversity: Fashion Roundtable's Call for Unity Amidst Unrest
Image: (L-R) Fashion Roundtable’s Fashion Director Karen Binns and Founder & CEO Tamara Cincik Credit: Tamara Cincik
In a world where the only constant seems to be change, unity in diversity remains a powerful force for good. Recent events across the UK, marked by protests and unrest, have highlighted the urgent need for a collective reaffirmation of our shared values. At Fashion Roundtable, we believe that the richness of our cultural tapestry is one of our greatest strengths. We stand firmly behind Prime Minister Keir Starmer in these challenging times, advocating for unity, not division, as the way forward. Our "Made by Immigration" campaign seeks to celebrate the cultural richness that diversity brings to the UK, reinforcing that together, we are stronger.
Celebrating Our Collective Strength
Our campaign is inspired by personal stories that underscore the beauty of diversity. Meeting with friends from varied backgrounds — Asian, African, and European —reminded me of the vibrant cultural mosaic that defines our nation. The positive feedback from sharing this experience publicly reaffirmed what we at Fashion Roundtable have always believed: diversity enriches our lives and strengthens our communities.
The "Made by Immigration" campaign aims to counter the negative narratives around immigration, celebrating the countless contributions of immigrants to our society. Through storytelling, visual campaigns, and community engagement, we aim to highlight the positive impact of multiculturalism in fashion and beyond. Collaborations with organisations, influencers, and public figures who support diversity and inclusivity will amplify our message, reaching a wider audience.
Join the conversation with the hashtag #madebyimmigration and share your stories of how immigration has shaped your life and community.
The Fashion Industry: A Beacon of Diversity
Fashion has always been a mirror of society, reflecting our values, aspirations, and dreams. However, it also has the power to shape them. According to our report on Representation and Inclusion in the Fashion Industry, diverse companies are more innovative and perform better financially. The collective spending power of ethnic minorities in the UK is estimated at £300 billion, with the disability market alone worth £274 billion. Yet, representation remains limited. For example, only 11% of workers in the UK's creative industries are from BAME backgrounds, despite accounting for a much larger portion of the population.
Our industry is missing out on significant opportunities for growth by failing to fully embrace diversity. The spending power of people from ethnic minority backgrounds and those with disabilities presents a substantial market opportunity. Moreover, the fashion industry itself is an economic powerhouse, contributing significantly to the UK economy. With a more inclusive approach, it has the potential to grow even further, creating jobs and fostering innovation.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The personal stories shared in our report highlight the challenges and triumphs of those working within the fashion industry. Many individuals have faced discrimination and underrepresentation, yet their resilience and creativity shine through. By amplifying these voices, we hope to inspire change and encourage the industry to embrace the full spectrum of talent that our diverse society offers.
As Tamara Cincik, our CEO and founder, poignantly reflected, "In a weekend when anyone from a Muslim or black background feels the familiar sense of we are not welcome here & starts mentally packing their bags, it's vital to remember our strength in unity." Tamara's words echo the experiences of many who have faced discrimination, yet remain steadfast in their contributions to British society. Her call to action is clear: "Immigrants made this country great, an island which has always been a host to migrants - from Vikings to Saxons, to Normans. We are here because you were there."
Leadership and Vision
Under the guidance of Tamara Cincik and Karen Binns, Fashion Roundtable has consistently championed diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry. Tamara's vision for an industry that values and represents all voices has been instrumental in shaping our initiatives. As we prepare to launch the "Made by Immigration" campaign, her dedication to using fashion as a force for positive change continues to inspire our work. Karen Binns, with her extensive experience and keen eye for talent, highlights diverse voices in fashion, ensuring that our industry reflects the world we live in.
Rahemur Rahman, one of our ambassadors and a designer known for his inclusive approach, embodies this ethos. His work celebrates the beauty of diversity, challenging traditional norms and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of his South Asian roots. Through collaboration and creativity, he is helping to redefine what it means to be truly inclusive in fashion.
Conclusion: A United Front for a Brighter Future
In these times of turmoil, it is more important than ever to stand together and champion the values that unite us. Fashion Roundtable is committed to leading this charge, using the power of fashion to promote a more inclusive and harmonious society. By embracing diversity and fostering unity, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a future where everyone is valued and represented.
As Tamara so aptly put it, "If we are going to lift this country out of poverty, it’s going to be the immigrants to provide a lot of the taxable income, so my suggestion to the mainstream media is to start talking about what immigrants have done for this country, and do it now." Let us remember that in our diversity lies our strength. Together, we can create a more vibrant, innovative, and prosperous Britain.
Join us in our "Made by Immigration" campaign and help us spread the message that unity, not hate, is the way forward. Use the hashtags #madebyimmigration and #areyourepresented to share your stories and become part of this vital movement. Let us fashion a future that celebrates and embraces our diversity.