Posts in Op-Ed
Modern Artisans Launch at Dumfries House Op-Ed by Tamara Cincik

In a world which feels uncertain, unstable, and all too frequently it is, there is something very powerful in recognising the timelessness of sustainable values, craft skills, nature and provenance. These are core to our work at Fashion Roundtable and what I found refreshing was to see them in action from education through to business via the work of The Princes Foundation.

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How to authentically support minority owned businesses, by Maïna Cissé, founder of the underargument

I am a black woman, and the founder of the lingerie brand, the underargument. I'm one of the many designers whose identity makes them hot property for larger retail businesses right now. These retailers are aiming to show the world they are not only woke, but committed to creating more equality for minority groups. But my recent experience with a large American retailer has forced me to question the authenticity of these so-called positive actions…

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On Reimagining Fashion: An Update from Fashion Roundtable's Founder and CEO Tamara Cincik

It is clear that fashion and positive activism are now firm allies. Fashion Roundtable has been a key player in this shift: our two recent reports have highlighted the structural issues inhibiting diverse groups from achieving success, and the environmental and ethical impacts that the industry has on our planet and citizens. But Fashion Roundtable doesn't just shine a light on the problems, what we do is not just pain porn. We unravel the issues with the mission to then solve them— offering opportunities for transformation and pushing for an industry, and in turn society, which is fundamentally more inclusive and more sustainable.

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OP-ED: All hairdressers must now cater to Black hair, but how valuable will this be for Black women?

Gone are the days where black models will have to bring their own hair styling tools and style themselves – so we hope. After a recent review by the National Occupational Standards for hairdressing, Afro and ‘Textured’ hair has been included into the styling and cutting practice standard. This means all UK hairdressers will now have to be trained in cutting and styling Afro-textured hair. But how effective will this change will really be for black women? asks Davina Appiagyei.

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OP-ED: How Brands Lie To Us Through Performative Activism

Exploiting people of colour to make their clothes, selling racially insensitive clothing, discriminating against models, displacing indigenous peoples, and cultural appropriation are the norm in the fast fashion world. Social media posts in support of relevant social issues are also the norm nowadays; what’s missing is the action that reflects these positive sentiments. How can we spot performative activism? Let’s take a quick look at the language behind the facade.

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OP-ED: Eden Loweth on The Power Of Chosen Family In 2020

As we head into the festive season, at the end of the most difficult of years for so many, Eden Loweth discusses the the emotional power of chosen family. Within the queer community, the importance of chosen family can be vital in providing stability, safety and comfort to many who find themselves alone in a city, often discovering their true selves along the way.

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OP-ED: Why the Open Apparel Registry is a vital tool for untangling global supply chains

Everything you need to know about the OAR— a free, neutral and open source tool mapping garment facilities worldwide and allocating a unique ID to each. The OAR was launched in March 2019 and has now grown to over 43,600 facilities across 129 countries. Here’s how the tool is becoming the industry’s “central source of truth”.

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OP-ED: Eden Loweth on Why Designers Must Do More to Support Inclusive Fashion on the Catwalk

“For too long communities like the one I come from have been trapped in a marginalised reality of under representation and exclusion, this has to stop. I implore every designer, agent, creative and CEO reading this to open the doors to real change. In this moment, in 2020, a year of unimaginable hardship, now is the time to act.”

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OP-ED: Why We Must Tackle Sexual Harassment and Gender Imbalances in Fashion

The fashion industry strives for images where women are placed at the forefront of power, yet behind the scenes they are left vulnerable to gender-based harassment and predatory behaviours. We need greater allyship to improve gender equality— without a collective effort, people who engage in destructive behaviours will continue their cycle of abuse. Time’s up on the fashion industry’s gender imbalance.

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