“When we talk about equity in the industry, I think that’s more making sure that we have space for conversations, that we have space to have input in the industry. To make sure that we’re in this industry in the long run is that we make sure that we’re at the helms of these conversations.”
Geneva, 22nd April 2021: ‘Black in Fashion’, the Ethical Fashion Podcast’s newest episode airs today, April 22nd. Featuring Nigerian American stylist and creative director Alexander-Julian Gibbson, the discussion delves into the topic of racism in the fashion industry and its lack of representation. Numerous barriers are put forth for young black creatives today as they attempt their own creative careers, but there are champions for diversity, especially Black in Fashion Council, that are hard at work ensuring success for the next generation.
“I feel like we’re EP 15 CAPTIONS (1) in a time right now where everybody in the mainstream fashion world is…finding all these African accounts, this new African designer, this new African model. And I’m like, ‘If only you guys knew that these people are not new. The talent has always been there.” Africa is having its moment, it seems. As African fashion becomes more mainstream, Alexander-Julian Gibbson offers a sharp reminder of Africa’s age-old richness that has always been present and discusses the desire of African fashion to remain seen, rather than a fleeting trend.
Additionally, he speaks on the beginnings of his career journey, his trajectory into high fashion and how he’s passionate about supporting the next wave of emerging talent globally.
Simone Cipriani (Founder and Head of the Ethical Fashion Initiative (“EFI”) and Clare Press (Sustainable Journalist and Writer), return to host the second series of the Ethical Fashion podcast, first launched in June 2020 to champion the power of discussion and explore the issues driving the ethical fashion conversation. The new series focuses on African stories in light of the EFI’s work on “creating jobs and regenerating the social capital in some of the most challenging environments, which is something we started doing in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2018” says Cipriani.
About the Ethical Fashion Initiative
EFI is a flagship program of the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. For the Ethical Fashion Initiative, lifestyle choices impact livelihoods. EFI creates and strengthens social enterprises in emerging economies to connect discerning international brands in fashion, interiors and fine foods with talented local designers, artisans and micro-producers. Savvy investors, pro-poor champions and mindful consumers find value in a virtuous circle that creates not just premium products, but also stable, dignified work, and creative and resilient women, men and communities.
The EFI’s Identity Building and Business Sharing Initiative showcases creativity and talent in fashion and beyond, in an effort to strengthen the culture sectors including art, photography, cinema and music. Operational in seven dynamic new countries — Cote d’Ivoire, Eritrea, Mali, Uganda, Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan — this chapter of EFI works in hand with leaders from the private sector to generate trade and more importantly, social capital. Find out more at http://www.ethicalfashioninitiative.org or on Instagram @ethicalfashion. This EFI Identity Building and Business Sharing Initiative is funded by the EU.
