Inclusivity, Exclusivity, and Sustainability in Fashion (2024)

With Cassell Ferere, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of PAGE Magazine

Part of our ongoingImpact of Fashionseries with our partner,Dhana

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Inclusivity, Exclusivity, and Sustainability in Fashion (1)

Fashion makes an impact on all of us. Even if you choose not to participate in “fast fashion” or follow trends and designers, everyone wears and needs clothes, right?

Unfortunately, some malpractices are deeply embedded in the fashion industry. Wasted materials, unethical production practices and overconsumption are all contributing to a massive carbon footprint that is damaging in the near term and unsustainable in the long term.

Despite it’s growing importance, the sustainable fashion movement can feel exclusive. Ethical apparel can be more expensive and might only be marketed to certain demographics or even appear to be impractical for some people.

On the Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Podcast, our host, Cory, chatted with Cassell Ferere, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of PAGE Magazine, the world’s first magazine covering sustainable fashion. In our latest series on the Impact of Fashion, Cory is speaking with experts across the industry to unearth the true impact of fast fashion and empower consumers to make informed decisions.

Cassell’s work focuses on making sustainable fashion more accessible to everyone. Through PAGE, he’s able to give people a more inclusive perspective on fashion through the lens of sustainability.

In this post, and the accompanying interview with Cassell, we’ll discuss the role of sustainability in fashion, how the exclusive nature of fashion is hurting the sustainable fashion movement and how we can each be more mindful consumers of ethical fashion.

Let’s get to it!

Sustainability in Fashion

The fashion industry is in an incredibly unique position. As it stands, it is one of the most polluting industries in the world. However, at the same time, fashion is the only industry that touches on every single one. of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Yes, every one of the 17 SDGs applies in some way to the fashion industry, from achieving clean water to eliminating hunger, taking action for the climate and preserving biodiversity.

And it’s for that reason that the fashion industry and its future are so important for everyone on earth.

What Does Sustainability Mean in Fashion?

Sustainable fashion boils down to re-envisioning the supply chain of each garment; this includes the cotton grown, the dyes used, factories’ employees, and even garments’ end-of-life. In altering these pieces of the puzzle, both environmental and social sustainability can be achieved.

Consumers are demanding more from the fashion brands they support, and the ethical fashion industry has been steadily growing to meet this demand. Now, for example, some ethical clothing brands use fabrics made from recycled plastic or natural materials like organic cotton and hemp. Materials aren’t the only thing to consider though, as carbon offsetting, fair trade certifications, and reducing the use of chemicals is also crucial for sustainable fashion brands.

Reframing our consumption and embracing mindful shopping are incredibly important in the fight for sustainable fashion. Cassell mentioned his personal experience of grappling with consumerism: “There’s the issue of consumerism, which is big for me because I grew up in a culture that had a habit of consuming and consuming almost blindfolded with no purpose, no internal reason, no research.”

Exclusivity and Inclusion in the Sustainable Fashion Industry

Although the global climate crisis affects marginalized communities more intensely than the white, upper-middle-class population, the sustainable fashion movement can be exclusive in nature. For example, the prices are often higher for garments made with organic cotton by workers earning a living wage.

Not only does this exclude entire swathes of the population from participating in the movement, it also almost fuels the existence of

Inclusivity, Exclusivity, and Sustainability in Fashion (2)

cheaper, low-quality, high-energy alternatives. As Cassell said, “I noticed that when sustainability was the conversation, and it became an image in that context, the image was not of someone who looked like me.”

Decolonizing the Sustainable Fashion Industry

A key aspect of making sustainable fashion more inclusive is the practice of decolonizing it. Fashion business models, particularly those in fast fashion, have historically extracted labor and materials from the Global South to benefit the Global North. Colonization is inherently an exploitative practice, which many argue has fed modern-day capitalism. By decolonizing the sustainable fashion industry, it can become a more inclusive movement that simultaneously helps to redefine the future of capitalism, social justice, and the climate crisis.

Textile waste is a huge environmental concern because when clothing ends up in a landfill, it releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. In relation to this problem, Cassell spoke about the importance of consumers donating or reselling clothes once they no longer want them.

Cassell said, “When I say resell, it’s like not everything is resold. And the amount of clothes that we have that aren’t resold that end up in the Third World countries, the poorest of countries, that they can’t even do anything within nowadays.”

When the Western world uses these countries as a dumping ground, it reinforces a culture of disposability and perpetuates inequality.

Eliminating the Exclusive Barriers to Fashion

Apparel companies rely on consumers to buy what they can’t afford just to stay on-trend. While business models like these are themselves inherently flawed for many reasons, they also relate to the key issues of accessibility and exclusion.

Here’s what Cassell said about making the industry more inclusive: “Accessibility is simply understanding how fashion has always been looked at as the gatekeeper to this exclusive lifestyle that everyone wants to be part of. With streetwear, in particular, there has also been an exclusivity bubble, where if you’re not in the know, if you don’t know certain things, you kind of stand on the outside and you look in”.

Fashion companies that are more inclusive will be better placed to meet social and environmental sustainability goals. By keeping their prices affordable for ethically made garments, using more representative models and remaining transparent, businesses can help society move toward a more sustainable future for fashion.

Reverie: PAGE: Inclusive Ideas, Sustainable Fashion

Inclusivity, Exclusivity, and Sustainability in Fashion (3)

PAGE brings the world of sustainable fashion to the masses via print and online content. Released bi-annually, the PAGE print magazine serves as both a source of culture and education for readers. It’s printed on recycled paper, uses water-based inks to reduce its environmental impact, and to avoid excessive stock, is only available via pre-order. It does all of this while covering everything going on in the sustainable fashion world, including the people behind the movement.

Instead of perpetuating the exclusionist practices of high fashion, PAGE seeks to make the sustainable fashion industry accessible for everyone. It brings real culture, while staying approachable and showing how we can collectively stand together in the world of ethical fashion.

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Cassell Ferere, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of PAGE

Cassell—a filmmaker, photographer, writer, editor and graphic designer—has a wide range of skill sets, many derived from his interest in fashion.

Hailing from Brooklyn, Cassell graduated cum laude from CUNY and, while still a student, he founded Cassell Inc., his hub of creativity.

Cassell is a regular contributor to Forbes, where he writes on the arts. His work has led him to work with icons across different industries from Ed Sheeran to Eric Holder.

“Sustainability is a conversation topic for the rich, but it happens to be a lifestyle for the poor.”

How to Support Sustainable Fashion

As Cassell spoke about in the interview, supporting sustainable fashion can look different for everyone.

  • Consume less: Reducing the amount of clothing you consume is a crucial first step to mitigating the damage the textile industry causes to the planet.
  • Shop secondhand: The production of raw materials is an intensive process that wreaks havoc on our air, water, land and even human health. If you do need new clothes, try thrifting!
  • Consider the end-of-life: If you need to remove an article of clothing from your closet for any reason, be strategic about it. There are very many ways to get rid of old clothes that prevent them from entering landfill and just becoming textile waste.

Closing: A Sustainable Future for All

A more inclusive sustainable fashion industry is becoming a reality because of the work of innovators like Cassell. To play your part in realizing this goal, what steps can you take in your own sustainable fashion journey?

Additional resources and links mentioned in the episode:

Inclusivity, Exclusivity, and Sustainability in Fashion (5)

Jacqueline Goodwin

Sustainable Workplaces Manager & Writer

Jackie is the Sustainable Workplaces Manager at Urban Green Lab, a sustainability education nonprofit in Nashville, Tennessee. She’s passionate about connecting people withactionableways to make a positive impact on the environment. She graduated from Dickinson College with a degree in Environmental Studies and a certificate in Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Jackie worked in the nonprofit world in Washington D.C. for Ashoka and the National Building Museum.

Jackie enjoys hiking with her rescue dog, finding craft breweries, and traveling the globe in search of plant-based eats.

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Inclusivity, Exclusivity, and Sustainability in Fashion (2024)

FAQs

Why is inclusivity important in fashion? ›

Diversity and inclusivity have become components of online retail for fashion consumers. Brands that recognize the need for racial diversity, body inclusion, sexual representation, and representation of the disabled community are not only necessary, but they are also the future of fashion.

What is inclusivity in fashion design? ›

Inclusive fashion is when a garment is designed to be useful to everybody, including the disabled community. The great challenge for the future is genuine inclusion. Long gone are the fashion shows and magazine editorials with plus-size or racialised models who were used to tick the diversity box.

Why is sustainability so important in fashion? ›

Sustainable fashion is a way in which brands create clothing that not only reduces the impact on the environment but is also mindful of the people who work to produce the garments. Put simply, it is fashion that is ethically made and environmentally friendly.

How the fashion industry can be more inclusive? ›

What can fashion do to be more inclusive? People want to be seen, heard, and most of all, represented. An authentic understanding of what representation truly means, and how it relates to the struggle for inclusion and diversity, is most likely what fashion can do to be more inclusive.

Is inclusivity part of sustainability? ›

Diversity and inclusion are tremendous assets to any company's sustainability efforts. They improve productivity and efficiency, support better decision-making, and make it easier to adopt structural and operational changes that benefit people, the planet, and their bottom line.

What is the impact of inclusivity? ›

Gartner found that inclusive teams improve team performance by up to 30 percent in high-diversity environments. In a BCG study, companies with diverse management teams had a 19 percent increase in revenue compared to their less diverse counterparts.

What is an example of inclusivity? ›

Equal access to resources

Offering equal access to company resources is a fantastic example of inclusive behaviors in the workplace. For instance, do not limit access to senior management to some workers. Instead, ensure that all employees have equal support from team leaders and other company resources.

What is the best definition of inclusivity? ›

The act of including someone or something as part of a group, list, etc., or a person or thing that is included.” Cambridge Dictionary. Simply put, inclusion in the workplace is about ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected as an individual.

What does inclusivity mean to you answer? ›

Inclusion means that everyone can feel welcomed and invited to a space. It's when places are accessible so you can feel respected and valued. Share.

How can you encourage sustainability in fashion? ›

10 simple steps to being more sustainable
  1. Go beyond the 30 wears test. ...
  2. Be more informed. ...
  3. Change your attitude to shopping. ...
  4. Invest in trans-seasonal clothes. ...
  5. Donate your unwanted clothes. ...
  6. Look after your clothes so they last longer. ...
  7. Learn how to repair clothing yourself (or find a good tailor) ...
  8. Go for quality over quantity.
Sep 22, 2022

Which best describes sustainability in fashion industry? ›

Sustainable fashion (also known as eco-fashion) is a term describing products, processes, activities, and actors (policymakers, brands, consumers) aiming to achieve a carbon-neutral fashion industry, built on equality, social justice, animal welfare, and ecological integrity.

How do you ensure sustainability in fashion? ›

With reusing, deconstructing and recycling second hand materials, as anything like offcuts and remnants of other fashion houses or firms. Repurposing old archived stock of material as well as a focus on experimentation with unconventional materials will create something new.

What defines inclusive clothing? ›

With size-inclusive clothing, everyone can find the clothes they want in the sizes they're looking for. Inclusive sizing is about making all types of clothing available to everyone, from slim-fitting jeans to sexy lingerie. This way, every person can wear clothes that make them feel beautiful.

Why being inclusive is important for a brand? ›

Diversity and inclusion are important in marketing because they help celebrate audiences of different backgrounds. This type of marketing helps audiences discover brands that align with their values, which more consumers say they are interested in doing.

What is size inclusivity in the fashion industry? ›

Size inclusivity is the practice of equally representing a wide variety of body shapes and sizes. Yet when it comes to clothing, most designers cap sizes from size 6-14 US (12-18 UK/AU), excluding a major market of consumers who fit outside of “standardised” sizing.

What is the role of inclusion in sustainability? ›

Social Sustainability and Inclusion focuses on the need to “put people first” in development processes. It promotes social inclusion of the poor and vulnerable by empowering people, building cohesive and resilient societies, and making institutions accessible and accountable to citizens.

What is inclusive and sustainable? ›

Inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) is the primary source of income generation, allows for rapid and sustained increases in living standards for all people, and provides the technological solutions to environmentally sound industrialization.

What are the elements of inclusivity? ›

These elements are relationships, advocacy, a sense of identity, shared experiences, and transparency.

How do you show inclusivity? ›

7 ways to be more inclusive at work
  1. Be yourself – be your authentic self.
  2. Speak up about inclusion.
  3. Think about how you communicate.
  4. Respond from a place of personal experience.
  5. Pronouns.
  6. Challenge stereotypes.
  7. Support your co-workers' differences.

How do you express inclusivity? ›

  1. 7 Ways to Be More Inclusive in Your Everyday Life. ...
  2. 1 / Mindful communication: listen more, talk carefully. ...
  3. 2 / Challenge stereotypes. ...
  4. 3 / Avoid assumptions. ...
  5. 4 / Ask yourself and others (the right) questions. ...
  6. 5 / Be aware of your privileges. ...
  7. 6 / Be proactive in educating yourself on the topic.

How do you answer inclusivity question? ›

Share an example of how you made others feel included in your current or previous position. Your answer to this question should highlight a specific way that you embraced and uplifted team members with different backgrounds and demonstrate how you helped make them feel welcomed.

What is meaning inclusive and exclusive? ›

What does it mean to be inclusive? Exclusive? Inclusive often means to be taken in, to include. Exclusive is many times means pushing something out of some sort of group, thus creating an element of specialness because of restricted entrance. Being inclusive is typically the opposite of being exclusive.

What is the meaning of the word exclusivity? ›

noun. Britannica Dictionary definition of EXCLUSIVITY. [noncount] : the quality or state of being exclusive : the quality of being limited to people of wealth or high social class.

What is the best answer to diversity interview question? ›

Be genuine when talking about your commitment to diversity. When asked a question about diversity, discuss your direct experiences with people of different cultures. Refrain from saying you don't see color. Instead, explain the value of honoring diverse cultures and learning from others.

How would you define sustainability in fashion *? ›

Sustainability in the fashion industry means promoting the well-being of people, communities, and the environment. The fashion industry — in company with other big energy consumers like agriculture and fuel — is in dire need of a thoughtful redesign.

What are 3 types of sustainable fashion? ›

  • Biodegradable or Recyclable Biodegradable. *Of natural origin. *Biologically decomposable. ...
  • New luxury *Produced in small scales. *Based on unique (designer/ artisan) expertise. ...
  • Second-hand and vintage *Pre-loved. *Compassionately shared. *Affordable. ...
  • Repaired, upcycled, and. upgraded. ...
  • Ethically made *Free from human exploitation.
Feb 3, 2023

What are some examples of sustainable fashion practices? ›

How can we reduce our Fashion Environmental Impact?
  • buy less. ...
  • Buy CLOTHES FROM sustainable BRANDS. ...
  • Buy better quality. ...
  • Think twice before throwing out your clothes. ...
  • Buy second hand, swap, & rent clothing. ...
  • Keep an eye on your washing.

What is sustainable fashion examples? ›

Here are some examples of sustainable fashion: 1. Organic & Natural materials. Using materials like organic cotton, linen, and hemp, which are grown without the use of harmful chemicals, can reduce the environmental impact of fashion production.

How can clothing brands be inclusive? ›

Simply put, inclusive fashion includes clothes that are for everyone irrespective of their body shape, size, ethnicity and gender. Genuine fashion inclusion involves creating aesthetically pleasing clothes that allow everyone to feel seen and heard, including those with disabilities.

Why is size inclusivity important? ›

Size inclusivity is powerful because it resonates with a universal human truth: People want to feel like they belong. As co-founder of Body Confidence Canada said in a BBC interview, “Being able to walk into a store and find your size makes customers feel they are seen.” Feeling seen is a powerful emotional response.

What does an inclusive environment look like? ›

ByThe Understood Team

An inclusive workplace is one where people with all kinds of differences and disabilities feel welcome and valued for their contributions. It's a place where people with disabilities — both visible and invisible disabilities — have the same opportunities for advancement as their co-workers.

What are the benefits of being inclusive? ›

The benefits of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
  • Benefit from a broader range of perspectives. ...
  • Recruit from a larger pool of talent. ...
  • Understand your customers better. ...
  • Improve business innovation. ...
  • Faster, better problem solving. ...
  • Improve overall business performance. ...
  • Improve your overall reputation.

What is the benefit of inclusive? ›

Some of the benefits of inclusion for children with (or without) disabilities are friendship skills, peer models, problem solving skills, positive self-image, and respect for others. This can trickle down to their families as well, teaching parents and families to be more accepting of differences.

What is the purpose of inclusive? ›

Inclusion is about honoring diversity, not ignoring it. It is about responding to the needs of individual children within the context of their families, their classrooms and their schools.

What is diversity and inclusion in fashion? ›

The goal of inclusion is to include everyone, regardless of color, gender, impairment, medical condition, or other need. Diversity in fashion means bringing in a diverse group of people who share clear distinctions such as age, skin color, race, orientation, and body type.

What is good inclusive design? ›

Inclusive design (also called universal design) makes places usable by everyone, regardless of age, ability and circ*mstance. It is based on the simple principle that designing for the widest range of people creates better designs and benefits everyone. No costly retrofits, happy users and great designs.

What are the 3 dimensions of inclusive culture? ›

The three dimensions of the framework are: Recognize, respect, and design for human uniqueness and variability.

Why is brand inclusivity important? ›

Having a brand that people view in a positive light, feel positive about, and can connect to is important. Inclusive marketing makes sure your brand connects with the largest possible audience. It also helps existing customers to create a much stronger bond with your brand.

Why diversity in the fashion industry is important? ›

Without a variety of individuals of different backgrounds and walks of life being featured in fashion, we create a space that makes them feel un-welcomed. We market that only a select few men and women are meant to feel beautiful or be stylish.

What is inclusivity important? ›

Inclusion is the culture in which the mix of people can come to work, feel comfortable and confident to be themselves, and work in a way that suits them and delivers your business or service needs. Inclusion will ensure that everyone feels valued and importantly, adds value.

How important is inclusivity to consumers? ›

Brands that have more inclusive marketing strategies will increase consumer purchasing intent, reputation, and brand loyalty. 69% of Black consumers are more likely to purchase from a brand whose advertising positively reflects their race/ethnicity.

Why is brand sustainability important? ›

Being transparent about what goes into making a product "natural" gives consumers the power to make thoughtful purchasing decisions and enables them to feel confident that their buying habits are helping them live a more natural life.

How do you make a brand more inclusive? ›

  1. Take a look at your customers. ...
  2. Celebrate more than the “major” holidays. ...
  3. Be thoughtful about visuals. ...
  4. Use inclusive language. ...
  5. Avoid stereotypes and appropriation. ...
  6. Know the difference between diversity and inclusion. ...
  7. Bake inclusion into your overall marketing strategy.

Why is it important to promote an inclusive environment? ›

Inclusive systems provide a better quality education for all children and are instrumental in changing discriminatory attitudes. Schools provide the context for a child's first relationship with the world outside their families, enabling the development of social relationships and interactions.

How does inclusive design benefit everyone? ›

Inclusive design takes the idea of accessibility a step further, making websites and other digital products welcoming to all. Inclusive design expands the audience for a digital product by including the diversity of ways people interact with that product and creating an optimal user experience.

What does inclusive clothing mean? ›

With size-inclusive clothing, everyone can find the clothes they want in the sizes they're looking for. Inclusive sizing is about making all types of clothing available to everyone, from slim-fitting jeans to sexy lingerie. This way, every person can wear clothes that make them feel beautiful.

How does cultural diversity affect fashion? ›

The culture of the people ensure that the fashion accessories and clothes meet certain goals or objectives. Culture also influences design and fabric selection. For example, designers can choose from and make use of indigenous materials abundant in a particular place.

What is the value of inclusivity? ›

Inclusion values diversity and allows for the real opportunity for people (both with and without disabilities) to have meaningful relationships. In this respect, recreation providers must be willing to look at their beliefs, missions, messages, and operations to determine what they must do to be fully inclusive.

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