The Systematic Exclusion of Blak Creatives in Fashion
Image taken at Country to Couture. An incredible Indigenous runway show on Larrakia Country
As a blak woman working in fashion photography, I often feel like a lone wolf. I'm usually the only Indigenous photographer backstage at Fashion Week. It's a strange feeling, this constant sense of isolation.
Don't get me wrong, I love what I do. Capturing beauty, experimenting with light and shadow, telling stories through my lens – it's deadly! But the lack of diversity, especially Indigenous representation, is a constant reminder of how much further the industry has to go.
It's not just about models. Where are the Indigenous makeup artists, stylists, hairdressers, and other creatives? Where are the voices shaping the narratives behind the clothes?
This "tokenism" – throwing a few Indigenous models onto the runway while the rest of the crew remains overwhelmingly white – is not true inclusivity. It's performative. It's about ticking a box rather than genuinely embracing and celebrating Indigenous talent.
True inclusion means:
Hiring Indigenous Creatives: Makeup artists, stylists, hairdressers, photographers, designers – the whole team!
Amplifying Indigenous Voices: Giving Indigenous creatives a platform to share their stories, perspectives, and visions.
Celebrating Indigenous Culture: Going beyond mere appropriation and truly celebrating the richness and diversity of Indigenous cultures in a respectful and meaningful way.
This isn't just about making the fashion industry look good. It's about creating a more equitable and just industry that reflects the true diversity of our society. It's about giving talented Indigenous creatives the opportunities they deserve.
It's time for the fashion industry to stop paying lip service to diversity and start taking real action. It's time to break down the barriers and create a space where Indigenous creatives can thrive.
I am grateful for runways such as Country to Couture that allow blak creatives to showcase our work. Through opportunities such as these, we can grow, learn, and showcase our talents.
Country to Couture is a celebration of Indigenous creativity! It's a runway that empowers First Nations designers, models, and artists, showcasing their unique talents and stories. This platform is vital for hiring Indigenous creatives, providing mob with opportunities to shine and contribute their voices to the fashion world.