Fashion Week 2024: A Celebration of Inclusivity
Fashion Week has always been a space for creativity and innovation, but this year, there was a noticeable emphasis at NYFW on something even more meaningful - representation. Designers put inclusivity at the forefront, showcasing a beautiful variety of body types, abilities, and backgrounds. A few standout designers gently reminded us that fashion has the power to reflect the diversity and individuality of everyone.
Christian Siriano - Leading the Way in Size Diversity
Christian Siriano has long been known for his commitment to making fashion accessible to all, and this year was no different. His runway was a celebration of women of all shapes and sizes. From plus-size to petite, Siriano’s collection featured bold colours, dramatic designs, and intricate details, showing that beauty comes in every form. His show was a joyful reminder that style is for everyone, regardless of size.
Prabal Gurung - Honouring Identity and Culture
Prabal Gurung used his platform to celebrate diversity in a more personal way, featuring models from different ethnicities, gender identities, and ages. Drawing on his Nepalese heritage, his collection was a blend of cultural influences and modern design, bringing stories from underrepresented communities to the runway.
Gurung’s show was a powerful reminder that fashion can be a force for change. It wasn’t just about clothes - it was about using visibility to challenge stereotypes and embrace the beauty of difference.
Collina Strada - Breaking Gender Barriers and Embracing Sustainability
Collina Strada, led by Hillary Taymour, is known for pushing boundaries. This year, her collection broke free from traditional norms, with a cast of models that represented a wide range of identities.
Taymour’s show wasn’t just inclusive of people - it was also about being kinder to the planet. The collection used upcycled materials and had an eclectic, playful feel, showing that fashion can be both mindful of sustainability and welcoming to everyone, no matter their gender or identity.
Victoria Jenkins and Primark: Bringing Accessibility to the High Street
Outside of the high-end runways, a major step forward for inclusive fashion came from the partnership between adaptive fashion designer Victoria Jenkins and Primark on the 23rd of July. Together, they’ve created an affordable, accessible clothing line for the disabled and chronic sick community. This collaboration is helping to bring adaptive fashion to the mainstream, ensuring that style isn’t just for the privileged few.
From Siriano’s celebration of size diversity at Fashion Week 2024 to Jenkins’ game-changing accessible designs, this year isn’t just about what’s in fashion - it’s about who fashion is for. Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s the future.
At DEWEY, we’re honoured to contribute to the growing movement toward inclusivity by focusing on a group often overlooked in fashion - individuals 5ft and under. Our collections are thoughtfully designed to celebrate and empower extra-petite women, ensuring they feel seen and represented. We believe fashion should be accessible to all, and that means embracing all body types and heights with care and consideration. It’s our hope that the industry continues to evolve in this direction, creating space for everyone.