diversity-inclusion

Though appropriation of Native art and traditions still exists in fashion, more brands are finding ways to ethically work with Native designers and communities.

With sustainability falling down the priority list for fashion executives in 2025, emerging designers are looking to meet demands for conscious consumerism — but face substantial challenges in an oversaturated market facing macroeconomic limitations. BoF sits down with Felita Harris, co-founder of non-profit RaiseFashion that provides financial, educational and community support for underrepresented designers focused on sustainability goals, to learn more.

Early data indicates Target and Walmart’s store traffic has declined since their DEI exit, while Costco’s has grown, signalling that we may be entering a new era of consumer boycotts.

At a moment when attacks on DEI and immigrants have become widespread, streetwear brands founded on celebrating racial or ethnic identities are persevering.

Felita Harris, RaiseFashion’s executive director and co-founder, Rachel Scott, founder and creative director of Diotima, and Mercy Amankwe, senior director of brand marketing and partnerships at Standard International, joined BoF’s Shenel Wickramaratne at The Standard, East Village to discuss how to uphold inclusion, empower underrepresented talent and drive meaningful change amid industry-wide row backs on diversity, equity and inclusion commitments.

Soft skills like agility, intellectual curiosity and an ability to work across departments and categories will be crucial in 2025 — but true success will mean playing the long game.

A decade-plus of explosive gains for Black-owned brands has given way to a slowdown in everything from funding to representation to retail expansion — and the implications for beauty are far worse than loss of representation alone.

BoF senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young and luxury editor Robert Williams dive into the ongoing struggle for diversity in fashion’s top creative roles.