Gone are the days of skinny, fit models dominating the catwalks. Inclusiveness is becoming the buzzword in the fashion world and models with disabilities or otherwise are no longer shunned by the industry. Instead, they are used to set an example for the public as well as build brand image.
It’s always a dream come true for any model to be able to walk the ramp at Victoria’s Secret. So when the American lingerie, clothing and beauty retailer, considered one of the biggest names in fashion, recently decided to introduce its first model with Down syndrome, the world took notice. . On the one hand, it has been hailed as a big step towards inclusivity and diversity.
“It’s a dream come true. I’m happy to be able to show everyone that Sofia Jirau is going to shine all over the world. I feel confident because fear is not part of my vocabulary,” said Sofia Jirau , the Puerto Rican model, quoted by Victoria’s Secret Jirau posed for the brand’s latest collection, The Love Cloud.
Similarly, in 2020, 20-year-old Ellie Goldstein shot to global fame after becoming the first disabled model to land a Gucci Beauty campaign. Earlier, in 2017, personal care brand Dove tapped blind YouTube star Molly Burke for its campaign.
Closer to home, 19-year-old Pranav Bakshi became India’s first autistic male model in 2019 as he became one of many changemakers driving inclusivity on the runway. Bakshi, who also suffers from extreme obsession and anxiety, immediately made headlines for his looks as he turned his weaknesses into strengths.
Another big name, Jamaican-Canadian model Winnie Harlow, embraces her vitiligo with confidence and often parades gracefully. To lead by example and inspire children with vitiligo, Harlow inspired dolls with vitiligo have now flooded the market.
Similarly, wheelchair model Lebohang Monyatsi is creating waves by collaborating with various brands. Danish model Nina Marker, who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, hasn’t let it affect her career path as she walks the ramp for brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Stella McCartney.
Precious Lee is the world’s first black plus size model and among many others, Chloe Marshall, Ashley Graham and Jessica Leahy join the list of such names. In India, Vizag girl Varshita Thatavarthi has starred in designer Sabyasachi’s several campaigns, including his controversial mangalsutra campaign.
Gone are the days of skinny, fit models dominating the catwalks. Inclusiveness is becoming the buzzword in the fashion world and models with disabilities or otherwise are no longer shunned by the industry. Instead, they are used to set an example for the public as well as build brand image.
Give the example
The decision to include models who are of different abilities, gender neutral, body positive or who belong to different races not only reflects positively on the image of the designer or brand, but also proves how the world leads to inclusiveness. Hiring models with different abilities or models of different races or sizes to walk the catwalks strengthens the image of the brand as it proves that the brand embraces inclusivity and sets an example to the world.
There’s no shortage of plus-size, black or Asian models today compared to a decade or two ago and big names in the industry are hiring more and more models who break stereotypes to scroll through the track. Adidas’ 2021 “Impossible is Nothing” campaign has become the most talked about campaign from an inclusive marketing perspective. And why not? Brands that talk about inclusion like Nike, Reebok, Asos and Old Navy have started to resonate more and more with the younger generation.
Designer Binal Patel, who is the founder of TheRealB, the brand which recently debuted at Paris Fashion Week 2022, says, “As a brand, we welcome the Z&Y generations and understand that people have become more aware of what are they wearing, especially when it comes to fabrics. Since the creation, we have always made sure to make silhouettes with durable fabrics and for all morphologies. Lifestyles change and over the years we have observed that influencers have played a very important role in changing people’s decisions.
“As a result, we’ve always partnered with people who speak out about inclusivity and convey the message that ‘fashion is for everyone,'” adds Patel.
Along with setting examples of body positivity, races, and disability inclusion, brands are also considering embracing gender neutrality, not just in terms of clothing designs, but models as well. Designer Rahul Mishra’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection featured model Nitin Baranwal in mini dresses and coats. In 2018, gender neutral model Rain Dove graced the cover of Diva magazine and also appeared in several other magazines like Elle and Vogue.
Ashray Gujral, founder of clothing brand Dash & Dot, adds: “There is also a growing market for gender neutral fashion, a segment we launched at Dash & Dot. Brands understand that building a bigger tent isn’t just a values-based endeavor, but makes long-term business sense. Brands that are able to be truly inclusive and build authentic relationships across sizes, colors, sexualities, and other identities will find loyal customer bases that will stick with you for decades.
