The fashion industry might talk the talk when it comes to diversity but where’s the affirmative action? Join Rebecca Weef Smith as she takes inclusivity into her own hands.

Are catwalk shows truly representative? Do fashion ads feature models like you? No, nor us. Chances are if you’re a person of colour, over 40, a plus size, disabled or non-binary then fashion won’t reflect you. In 2019 that can’t be right. Yet many in the industry feel that the diversity question has been resolved. Is this complacency? Or a slap in the face for progression? Either way, magazine editor, Rebecca Weef Smith is on a mission to turn the debate on its head and show the industry what inclusivity really looks like. But she needs support.

Smith hopes to raise £2,000 to launch the first-ever celebration of diversity in fashion which will be held on Sunday 17th February, coinciding with London Fashion Week. While not a criticism of the fashion industry, the aim is to encourage a mind shift that embraces people regardless of age, ethnicity or size; whether they have disabilities, are transgender, or transvestite. Smith will take her campaign to the streets, commandeering a bus from East to West London, to spread her message far and wide. She says:

“Fashion is for all. It’s not just the preserve of tall, skinny, young, white people with perfect cheekbones. It’s about freedom, fun and feeling good. Yet there’s still a baffling lack of imagination when it comes to casting models. Diversity is now just a tokenistic box-ticking exercise. I find it frustrating and I know I’m not alone. I’m calling on all like-minded fashion lovers to join my campaign for change. Let’s put on our own fashion event where people from all communities and walks of life can come together in a riot of music, dancing and colour; dressed in their Sunday best. This will be one display of unity the industry can’t ignore. ”


Smith needs to reach her fundraising target of £2,000 by Monday 11th February. Help her move the diversity conversation up the fashion agenda. Donate to her Crowdfunder page now via the link below. As an added bonus supporters will be entered into a prize draw to win a seat on the party bus: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/let-s-show-lfw-what-inclusivity-really...


For further details, or to arrange an interview with Rebecca Weef Smith please contact Rhoda Idoniboye on rhoda.idoniboye@gmail.com or 07779 017502. Use the hashtag #FashionForAll to be kept in the loop on all news and updates via our social channels.


Notes to Editors

Rebecca Weef Smith has combined over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry with an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology to create WearingWellbeing. Her research on Flourishing Fashion was published in the inaugural edition of Fashion Studies.
Rebecca is the co-founder and Editor of GOLDIE magazine ®, a glossy lifestyle publication for aspirational ageing 40+. She champions the message that style is ageless and fashion can be a force for good.

Relevant links:

www.goldiemediagroup.co.uk
www.goldiemag.co.uk
www.wearingwellbeing.com
www.10toshine.co.uk
thefashionconversation.com 'how-can-we-make-fashion-good-for-us'
thriveglobal.com
Instagram:@goldie_magazine
Twitter:@goldiemediauk