Fresh Del Monte’s Post

Just a Fashion Minute • Diversity in Fashion We have been all too aware that Fashion and Luxury has a big problem with Diversity and Inclusion (or many of us have), but it seems that in the past two years that DEI appears to be moving backwards, with many companies, large and small reducing the effort and expenditure on DEI or winding up newly created departments altogether. DEI has been thrown into the charity or HR mix and never considered from a commercial perspective. Big business felt obligated or even shamed into admitting there is a problem and was quick to look like they were taking affirmative action - this has been short-lived. As a recent guest on my podcast suggested that post George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, "it's as if the establishment has said "OK Black and other POC, you've had your moment, and now it's time to move on" - which does seem to sum it up. Many of these mega-corporations, namely fashion have in no uncertain terms has exploited the Black culture through sport, music, media, style, and on the list goes but Diversity has once again been relegated to the bench! Is it just a fluke that Virgil Abloh put Louis Vuitton onto a global stage? What do we have to do to get fashion to sit up and take notice, and realise that it makes commercial sense to have a diverse organisation structure in today's society. David M Watts • Just a Fashion Minute

Who says sneaker culture has to be dominated by men? Channing Beumer, the co-founder of Chicks 'n Kicks (CNK), is debunking that myth with style. CNK is a blog-turned-media-company that shines a spotlight on sneaker and streetwear culture from the female perspective, allowing an underrepresented community to be at the forefront. Channing is making history with her newest endeavor, Shop CNK, the first Black-woman-owned and woman-focused experiential retail concept in the United States. ⁠This Dallas space will combine community, conversation, and collaboration with retail, allowing people to purchase the latest shoes and trendy apparel while being in the presence of like-minded creatives and sneakerheads. ⁠ Growing up as the youngest child and only girl, Channing developed a love for sneakers at a young age after her older brothers and cousins introduced her to her first tennis shoe. She went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Political Science and planned to go to law school, but she always knew she had a greater calling. When Channing launched the CNK blog in 2016, she had one goal: to empower women. Today, CNK boasts countless campaigns and promotions, keeps women in-the-know about the latest drops, and provides tips and tricks for them to maximize their shoe collection. Shoutout to Channing for taking up space in a male-dominated market with this innovative approach to retail. I can’t wait to see how her success continues to transform sneaker culture. #WCW Let us lift her up in the light of goodness and hold her there ✨

▶️ Alexa, play Clarks by Vybz Kartel. Clarks shoes have been a massive part of Jamaican culture since the shoe first arrived on the island in 1949 becoming a popular staple in the 70s. This is partly down to the relationship between the UK and Jamaica and it was seen to be aspirational to own a pair of shoes from the UK manufacturer. Clarks has successfully leveraged this authentic connection with wider Black culture. Clarks Wallabees have become a staple in Black culture. Wallabees have earned their status as cultural icons as they adapt to evolving trends. So, what has made Clarks so successful over the years? 📱 Cultivating a Cult Following: Wallabees aren't just shoes; they're a symbol of belonging. Through music, film, and cultural associations, Clarks fostered a community of "Wallabee wearers," from musicians like Bob Marley to characters like Steve McQueen. This organic association built around shared values keeps the brand authentic and desirable. 🔋 Collaboration Powerhouse: Clarks partners with diverse brands and personalities, from streetwear giants like Supreme to high-end designers like Stüssy. These collaborations inject fresh energy while maintaining the core identity, attracting new audiences without alienating their fan base. 📖 Mastering the Storytelling: Their marketing narratives focus on heritage, craftsmanship, and community. They don't just sell shoes; they tell stories about experiences, memories, and cultural impact. #OneTwelveAgency #ClarksWallabees #MarketingLessons #AuthenticBrandPartnerships #Storytelling #CommunityBuilding

In March of 2024, I made history as the first short model to grace the cover of a high fashion magazine. I graced the cover of InStyle - InStyle being the first high fashion magazine to recognize a demographic that is never spoken of in the fashion industry - short models. Though it took THIS LONG to finally recognize a change needs to be made in the diversity & inclusion conversation, things are finally shifting. In the future, we should be able to recognize all body types, sizes and heights on the front covers of magazines. #InStyle #Shortmodels #diversityandinclusion #fashionindustrywakeup

There are so many dope insights in here that every marketer looking to put their brand anywhere near culture needs to read.

RALPH LAUREN BRAND REVOLUTIONISES RACIAL REPRESENTATION BEAUTIFULLY! Every so often I comment on #fashion…since, as a younger man - whilst still an intellectual - I “owned” a high fashion boutique in the #Bahamas for 11 months (before mother made me return to law school); through which I learned nearly everything that matters about fashion, design, economics and entrepreneurship. I remain involved as an #aesthete at the #finance and #educational levels; interested in the creative cultural impact of #style and fashion globally. Fashion historically and during my early years was segregated demonstrably: in those 11 months (I was 19 years old) travelling to #NewYork, #Tokyo, #Milan and #London, I came face-to-face with racial representations in the global fashion; specifically - as in films, then - it was thought that blacks could not be primary representatives of style for all races. But times have changed! Below is a #RalphLauren (RL) ad: its the first time in its history (so far as I have observed) that the iconic American brand features a Black man and woman in a loving embrace as primary agents of style. Often, RL ads feature black women mixed in with whites and the odd #Asian. Or a series of white men, in equestrian, tennis or surfing motifs with one black male. This is a departure for the brand and an upwelling of dignity in its racial representation: Its selling elegance for all peoples through a black couple. That is, just as it could feature - say Julia Roberts and George #Cloony in its Brand cover and expect blacks and Asians to see examples of elegance, now it’s saying whites and Asians should see elegance even if the image is of black people alone! It’s a beautifully gratifying thing for many reasons: 1. It deifies as it demystifies race as distinction and differentiation 2. Its message is deliberate, profound and accepted, without preaching 3. It’s the year-end feature, which sets a race-neutral tone for its global brand, using race! 4. As such, it treats and assumes the dignity of all people to see beauty in that image regardless of #race. How humane and lovely! One final notice to get at the heart of how the ad challenges us all: See the lady, yes, particularly the lady…she’s not what even blacks regard as traditionally “pretty”, forcing blacks themselves to confront their ideals of loveliness. This is how we teach #tolerance and #acceptance. It’s a radical move for the brand, done beautifully! Now…back to reading #Aristotle! VOGUE-UK GQ Magazine Ralph Lauren VOGUE Condé Nast Americas Hommes et Territoire TOM FORD FASHION FashionUnited Deutschland HAUTE COUTURE LMVH Saville Row Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Harrods Fashion Network Worldwide Harper's Bazaar FT Luxury Experience Club - Foolishtime Christian Dior Couture Oscar de la Renta Chavón | La Escuela de Diseño Giorgio Armani ZARA SA Charvet Bespoke Ranges Parsons School of Design - The New School The School of New Humanities & Design School of Design, Sushant University

👟 Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in the Sneaker Industry 👟 As sneaker enthusiasts, we know that the love for sneakers transcends all boundaries. It's time for the industry to reflect the diverse community that fuels its passion. From design to marketing, it's crucial for brands to prioritize diversity and inclusion. By embracing different perspectives and voices, we can create sneakers that resonate with a wider audience and celebrate the rich tapestry of our global community. Let's continue to push for diversity in all aspects of the sneaker industry, from the boardroom to the factory floor. Together, we can make sneakers a symbol of unity and inclusivity. #DiversityandInclusion #SneakerCommunity #InclusiveDesigns 👟🌎💫

As we mark the 25th anniversary of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's passing this year, our Culture Connection report uncovers why her style continues to captivate new generations. The recent release of Elizabeth Beller's "Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy" further cements her legacy as a fashion icon. Carolyn's minimalist aesthetic and "everywoman" appeal align perfectly with today's fashion values. Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize sustainability and quiet luxury, find inspiration in her understated elegance. This includes thrifting and shopping sustainably. As a result, they are also fueling growth in the vintage/secondhand clothes market which industry pundits estimate will be valued at $218 billion by 2026 – a growth rate of 127%. Learn how Carolyn's influence extends beyond fashion, impacting consumer behaviors and market trends. Get our free introductory issue: https://lnkd.in/gsSRXqKV #carolynbessettekennedy #fashionicon #cultureconnection #maverixinsights

It’s New York fashion week and it’s clear that the younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) are embracing fashion in unique ways 🛍🕶 Check out how the different generations are engaging below ⬇ #NYFW #FashionTrends #GenZ #Millennial #Engagement

👟 Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in the Sneaker Industry 👟 As sneaker enthusiasts, we know that the sneaker culture goes far beyond just the shoes we wear. It's about self-expression, creativity, and community. That's why it's crucial for the sneaker industry to prioritize diversity and inclusion in all aspects. From design to marketing to retail, diversity brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and authentic representation. By embracing individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all sneaker lovers. Let's continue to celebrate diversity in sneakers, amplify diverse voices, and strive for equal opportunities for everyone in the industry. Together, we can make the sneaker world a more vibrant and inclusive place for all. 👟🌟 #DiversityandInclusion #SneakerCulture #InclusiveFashion #CommunityFirst