A short but intense Q&A with Fashion Minority Alliance, a no-profit organization that stands out for inclusivity in Fashion managed
by our EIC Lorenzo Sabatini.
Fashion Hub is an important part of the FMA. What is about?
We believe that incorporating Diversity & Inclusion in the work force needs to start early. The FMA’s Fashion Futures Hub was created to skill share with the aim to advance long-term positive industry transformation socially, economically, and culturally. This is an integral pillar of our work and through our purpose-centered learning initiatives the FMA is committed to providing open access, tactical, strategic resources, and meaningful support for a professional creative industry journey. By upskilling the leaders of tomorrow, we are infusing the rapidly evolving industry with solution makers equipped with the necessary skills to make a huge difference.
Your partnership and network is incredible in such a short time. As major players in fashion industry, why is important that always more and more people join your Association?
The FMA is powered by professionals throughout the world. These members have made a conscious decision to donate their time and effort to forge real change. By working together as a global network, we are able to optimize our contacts and relationships in the industry. The support we have received, the interest and the openness to participate has been impressive so far. We need more support on a corporate and institutional level.
Inclusivity is a key word in your business. What exactly does it mean to you in 2023 considering what’s happening nowadays?
We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, but yes, most of our members work in fashion and until now, the industry, which is by nature ultra-exclusive, does not resemble the actual cultural fabric. The enthusiasm on a corporate level to invest in D&I was at an all-time high after the death of George Floyd, but funding has dwindled over the last year. Our hope is that companies – especially in Europe – begin to work hard to compile data and statistics, work on transparency and hold themselves accountable for excluding minorities across the board.
Inclusivity is a key word in your business. What exactly does it mean to you in 2023 considering what’s happening nowadays?
We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, but yes, most of our members work in fashion and until now, the industry, which is by nature ultra-exclusive, does not resemble the actual cultural fabric. The enthusiasm on a corporate level to invest in D&I was at an all-time high after the death of George Floyd, but funding has dwindled over the last year. Our hope is that companies – especially in Europe – begin to work hard to compile data and statistics, work on transparency and hold themselves accountable for excluding minorities across the board.