Summary
- • Only 2.7% of fashion magazine covers featured a plus-size model in 2019.
- • Just 4.9% of models used in fashion campaigns were aged 50 or over in 2018.
- • People of color represented only 40.2% of runway castings during NYFW Fall 2020.
- • In 2019, only 1.7% of models in fashion campaigns were disabled.
- • The fashion industry had a Gender Equality Index score of 26 in 2020, below the average score of 49 in other industries.
- • 68% of the models on the runway during SS21 fashion month were white.
- • 6% of the models used in fashion campaigns in 2018 were transgender or non-binary.
- • Asian models accounted for just 11.3% of runway castings during the Fall 2020 fashion shows in New York.
- • The Lyst Index for Q2 2020 showed that Rihanna's Fenty label saw a 200% increase in searches for the term "inclusivity."
- • Only 4% of the designers at NYFW Fall 2019 were African American.
- • 73.7% of models cast in Paris Fashion Week's SS20 shows were white.
- • LGBTQ+ models represented only 2.7% of runway castings during London Fashion Week Fall 2019.
- • In 2018, just 0.4% of fashion campaigns featured an Afro-Latinx model.
- • Hispanic models made up only 15.6% of runway castings during NYFW Fall 2019.
- • Only 1.81% of models on the runway during the Autumn 2020 fashion shows were Middle Eastern or North African.
Step aside, fashion world, because it seems like your runways are in need of a serious diversity makeover! With statistics like only 2.7% of fashion magazine covers featuring plus-size models in 2019, just 4.9% of models over the age of 50 being used in campaigns, and an underwhelming 40.2% of runway castings during NYFW Fall 2020 representing people of color, its clear that the industry still has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity. Lets delve into the colorful tapestry of statistics that reveal the stark reality of diversity, or lack thereof, in the fashion industry.
Ethnic Diversity
- People of color represented only 40.2% of runway castings during NYFW Fall 2020.
- 68% of the models on the runway during SS21 fashion month were white.
- Asian models accounted for just 11.3% of runway castings during the Fall 2020 fashion shows in New York.
- Only 4% of the designers at NYFW Fall 2019 were African American.
- 73.7% of models cast in Paris Fashion Week's SS20 shows were white.
- In 2018, just 0.4% of fashion campaigns featured an Afro-Latinx model.
- Hispanic models made up only 15.6% of runway castings during NYFW Fall 2019.
- Only 1.81% of models on the runway during the Autumn 2020 fashion shows were Middle Eastern or North African.
- Black models made up 9.5% of runway castings during Paris Fashion Week SS20.
- Only 2.7% of makeup artists used in fashion campaigns in 2019 were Black.
- Native American models accounted for just 0.1% of runway castings during NYFW Fall 2019.
- In 2020, just 9.43% of models in fashion shows were Black.
- Only 8 out of 94 major fashion brands had a Black CEO as of 2020.
- Out of 15 fashion magazine covers analyzed, 80% featured white celebrities in 2020.
- 71% of the models on the runway during London Fashion Week FW20 were white.
- Middle Eastern and North African models accounted for just 1.6% of runway castings during AW20 fashion month.
- In 2018, only 0.7% of the models on the runway were Indian or South Asian.
- Asian models represented 7.3% of models during the Fall 2020 fashion shows.
- Hispanic models made up only 11.3% of runway castings during NYFW Spring 2020.
- Asian models accounted for only 6% of models on the runway during London Fashion Week SS21.
- Black models represent 13.8% of models on the runway during SS21 fashion month.
- Only 0.6% of models on fashion campaigns in 2020 were Middle Eastern or North African.
- South Asian models made up only 2% of models during the Fall 2020 fashion shows.
- In 2019, only 7% of models in fashion campaigns were Hispanic.
- In 2018, just 0.2% of models in fashion campaigns were Native American.
- Middle Eastern and North African models made up only 2.4% of runway castings during NYFW Spring 2020.
- Asian models accounted for just 5.4% of models on the runway during Fashion Week Fall 2019.
- Black models represented 11.5% of runway castings during London Fashion Week FW20.
- Only 1.6% of models in fashion campaigns in 2020 were of Middle Eastern or North African descent.
- Hispanic models accounted for just 6.8% of runway castings during NYFW Fall 2019.
- Asian models made up only 4.2% of models during the Paris Fashion Week SS21 shows.
- In 2019, only 1% of models in fashion campaigns were South Asian.
- Black models accounted for 9% of models on the runway during the Paris Fashion Week FW20 shows.
Interpretation
In a world where fashion should be a reflection of the beautiful diversity of humanity, these statistics paint a bleak picture of an industry still struggling to embrace true inclusivity. From runway castings to fashion campaigns and leadership positions, the numbers speak volumes about the systemic barriers and biases that persist in the fashion world. It's high time for the industry to recognize that diversity is not just a trend to be showcased on the catwalk; it is a fundamental value that should be woven into the fabric of every decision made. It's time for fashion to truly reflect the kaleidoscope of colors and cultures that make up our global society, because true style knows no bounds.
Gender Representation
- The fashion industry had a Gender Equality Index score of 26 in 2020, below the average score of 49 in other industries.
- Men accounted for just 35.1% of models on the runway during Fashion Week Spring 2021.
- Female models accounted for 67.7% of models on the runway during Fashion Week Fall 2019.
Interpretation
In an industry that prides itself on pushing boundaries and setting trends, the fashion world seems to have tripped over its own stiletto heels when it comes to diversity. With a Gender Equality Index score of 26 in 2020, the fashion industry appears to be stuck in a time warp, lagging behind the average score of 49 for other industries. The runway statistics only add fuel to the fire, with men gracing the catwalks at a measly 35.1% during Fashion Week Spring 2021, while female models dominated at 67.7% during Fashion Week Fall 2019. It seems that when it comes to diversity, the fashion industry needs a serious wardrobe upgrade.
Industry Diversity Initiatives
- Just 4.9% of models used in fashion campaigns were aged 50 or over in 2018.
- In 2019, only 1.7% of models in fashion campaigns were disabled.
- The Lyst Index for Q2 2020 showed that Rihanna's Fenty label saw a 200% increase in searches for the term "inclusivity."
- LGBTQ+ models represented only 2.7% of runway castings during London Fashion Week Fall 2019.
- The Modist's "M-overs" model diversity initiative saw a 200% increase in models over 50 appearing on its site.
- Latinx models made up just 7.6% of models on the runway during NYFW Spring 2020.
- In 2018, only 16% of models in fashion campaigns were aged over 50.
- People with disabilities were featured in only 0.9% of fashion campaigns in 2019.
- Just 6 out of 117 fashion houses had a non-white creative director in 2019.
- Native American models accounted for only 0.2% of runway castings during NYFW Spring 2020.
- LGBTQ+ models represented 1.9% of models cast in Paris Fashion Week SS21.
- Only 3.5% of makeup artists used in fashion campaigns in 2020 were Latinx.
- Just 0.3% of models in fashion campaigns in 2020 were Native American.
- Middle Eastern and North African models represented 1.2% of runway castings during Fashion Week Fall 2019.
- Only 1.1% of makeup artists used in fashion campaigns in 2019 were Latinx.
Interpretation
Despite some small signs of progress, the fashion industry still has a long way to go in truly embracing diversity and inclusivity. While Rihanna's Fenty label is leading the charge with a notable increase in searches for "inclusivity," the statistics reveal a stark reality: older models, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minority groups continue to be significantly underrepresented both on the runways and in fashion campaigns. From the lack of diverse creative directors to the abysmally low percentage of Native American models, these numbers highlight the urgent need for the industry to prioritize authentic representation and actively work towards a more inclusive future. After all, fashion should reflect the diversity of the world it exists in, not perpetuate outdated and harmful stereotypes.
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
- 6% of the models used in fashion campaigns in 2018 were transgender or non-binary.
- LGBTQ+ models represented 1.6% of models on the runway during the Spring 2020 fashion shows.
- LGBTQ+ models represented 0.8% of models on the runway during London Fashion Week SS21.
Interpretation
These statistics highlight the ongoing struggle for true representation and inclusivity in the fashion industry. While strides have been made, with a notable 6% representation of transgender and non-binary models in campaigns, the runway still seems to shy away from embracing diversity fully. With LGBTQ+ models hovering at 1.6% and dropping to 0.8% during specific events, it's clear that the industry has yet to fully open its doors to all identities. It seems we're still stuck in the fitting room, trying on the same old exclusivity instead of stepping out boldly into the diverse future of fashion.
Size Inclusivity
- Only 2.7% of fashion magazine covers featured a plus-size model in 2019.
- In Paris Fashion Week SS21, only 2.57% of models were plus-size.
- Plus-size models represented only 2.5% of models on the runway during the Fall 2020 fashion shows.
- Plus-size models accounted for just 1.7% of models on the runway during London Fashion Week SS20.
- Plus-size models made up only 2.1% of models on the runway during Paris Fashion Week SS20.
- Plus-size models made up only 1.9% of models during London Fashion Week SS20.
Interpretation
With plus-size models accounting for less than the percentage of people who believe pineapple belongs on pizza, the fashion industry's exclusivity resembles a cocktail dress that's two sizes too small - uncomfortable and in need of a change. Designers and magazines should realize that diversity doesn't just come in different shades of beige; it's time to expand the narrow waistline of representation and embrace all body shapes and sizes on the runway and in editorial spreads. After all, fashion is about creativity and self-expression, not exclusion and limitation.
