Bethann Hardison

Former model, agent and advocate Bethann Hardison, French drag queen Nicky Doll and model-and-influencer couple Nara and Lucky Blue Smith spoke about challenging societal norms and finding their power.

From charges of cultural appropriation to outright racism, the last year has made clear just how far fashion still has to go to become more inclusive. Now, a perfect storm of identity politics, consumer activism and social media may bring about lasting change.

The creatives spoke about the barriers that black designers face and how a new generation is finding success outside the fashion system.

At BoF’s VOICES, the creatives spoke about the barriers that black designers face and how a new generation is finding success outside the fashion system.

Designers want to work with a diverse range of models, but some modelling agencies are making it tough, says Bethann Hardison.

The fashion industry is still plagued by a troubling lack of diversity and racial sensitivity and too little is being done about it, says Jason Campbell.