Imani Baptiste-Green’s Post

Feelgood Friday – Representation matters I love the Dove “Real Beauty” advertising campaign. ⭐ Representation matters. 💡 Representation - seeing real people doing things - reinforces our existing stereotypes and biases, or can challenge them. It can also give us role models to admire. ❤️ Dove’s campaign of “Real Beauty” is a thing of beauty. 💎 Over 20 years their campaigns under this banner have challenged traditional notions of beauty by featuring women of diverse ages, shapes, and ethnicities. 🥂 The campaigns aim to promote self-acceptance and confidence, which women often lack. I particularly loved the “Tested on real curves” campaign. The campaigns have successfully highlighted the importance of inner beauty and self-esteem, and resonate with a global audience. 💻 And I love the fact that their most recent adverts aim to ban the use of AI created images of beauty. 💰 I’m sure that through this, Dove have improved sales and brand loyalty, after all they are a commercial company. 🎇 But they have also sparked important conversations about body positivity, a more inclusive definition of beauty, and media representation. 💖 Beautifully done, Dove. Happy Feelgood Friday all! #DiversityandInclusion #Inclusion #Leadership #GlobalAndInclusive https://lnkd.in/ez6Xr9-j

Celebrating Queer-Led and Queer-Supporting Sustainable Fashion Brands in Austria 🏳️🌈🌿 In the fashion industry, #genderinequality and #identity struggles continue to impact many, including the LGBTQ+ community. Queer designers and brands often face challenges and barriers to recognition, yet they lead the way in driving change, championing sustainability, and fostering inclusivity. Marginalized or superficially addressed in the sustainability debate, queer perspectives contribute vitally to an intersectional understanding of sustainability, linking their view of the world and their role within it to their identity. For #PrideMonth, we are proud to spotlight 6 innovative queer-led and queer-supporting fashion labels in Austria that are making a significant impact: @amaaena by Anna Menecia Antenete Hambira @markbaigent by Mark Baigent @thevienneseguy by Markus Radakovits @lahongfashion by Nhut La Hong @houseofthevery by Karian Krapfenbauer AND Markus Hausleitner  @deadwhitemensclothes by Jojo Gronostay Their work is a testament to how queer perspectives can drive innovation and inclusivity in sustainable fashion. While these Austrian brands and designers are paving the way, there is still room for growth and greater exposure for queer designers in Austria. Do you know other queer-led or queer-supporting sustainable fashion brands deserving recognition? Share them with us in the comments below! Fashion Revolution #PrideMonth #SustainableFashion #FashionRevolution #AustriaFashion

As we approach the end of Pride Month, a period dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to highlight the importance of inclusivity in the world of fashion. This industry plays a crucial role in promoting acceptance, inclusion, and self-love. In this article, I explore how fashion can become a powerful tool for celebrating uniqueness and how brands and consumers can contribute to creating an inclusive space for everyone. Read my new article on inclusivity in fashion: https://lnkd.in/dX-ewfUN

Happy Juneteenth! We’re honored to recognize this important day in history as our US team has the day off to celebrate, gather with friends and family, reflect on the past, and look to the future. Today, we’re spotlighting Black- and LGBTQ+-owned fashion brand Brandon Blackwood New York and its founder, BRANDON BLACKWOOD ✨ Brandon Blackwood, neuroscience major turned fashion entrepreneur, started designing handbags in 2015. Brandon Blackwood New York went viral in 2020 with its End Systemic Racism (ESR) Tote in response to calls for social and civil rights justice, and the brand took off, growing from 30,000 to 300,000 Instagram followers essentially overnight. All proceeds from ESR Tote sales benefit the Brandon Blackwood Foundation, dedicated to empowering Black and POC creatives through education, philanthropy, and activism. “I felt completely uninspired during the Black Lives Matter movement, and it felt a little phony making pretty bags to sell, so [the ESR tote] was my answer to it. I wanted to find a way to do something creative while also giving back and fighting against oppression,” said Blackwell in a L'Office interview. The brand's influence and product range have continued to grow, with collaborations like Google, Saks Fifth Avenue x Michelle Obama, Saweetie x McDonald's, and retail partnerships with Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus Group and more, as well as a new affordable line, Studio by Brandon Blackwood. Click through to learn more about Brandon Blackwood New York’s recent creator marketing wins, like earning an impressive $28.4M EMV worldwide in 2023 — a 32% YoY increase. #Juneteenth #PrideMonth #InfluencerMarketing #BrandonBlackwood #EndSystemicRacism #CreatorMarketing

These days I can see people are making #trends out of anything. Recently, I met with one of my designer friend, who went for an interview and there he got to know, the goal of that brand is to make #Skirts_for_Boys. According to the brand, boys are more comfortable in skirts! And, the brand was planning to organise a show, for that reason some 10-12 male models completed the registration process. But all of them removed their name one by one. If we take this as a case study, we can see, men are not really interested in such clothing. They could arrange a show or exhibition for the people who like to wear this kind of clothes. I believe, one should never encourage or force any boy/man to wear girly clothes directly or indirectly, and vice-versa. I know some boys who like to wear skirts and tops. I even have male friends who love to wear skirts, tops, stockings, sarees, heels, makeup and all these things. So, it's absolutely okay for those who are from the LGBTQIA+ community. We understand, everyone has different choices-different tastes & we respect that. In our Indian culture, DHOTI, MUNDU, LUNGI, VESHTI and in southeast Asia SARONG are available for men. When it comes to more comfort, we don't have any problem with Dhoti/Lungi/Veshti/Mundu, definitely skirt is not an alternative, so what is the purpose of it??🤔 Why should a boy or a man wear skirts ? To feel more comfortable ?! 😐 These days people just seek attention & want to go viral! They just want to come under the limelight without doing anything meaningful. They're not thinking for a single time about the positive/negative impact in society or on Youth!! 😖 And this is quite sad!😓 So, it's my humble request to those companies/brands/people, who want to make their profit by confusing others or doing business just to make money, please think again before you take any move. 🙏 Be a sincere citizen.😌 #trends #boys_in_skirts #viral #fake_attention #case_study #LGBTQIA+ #youth #Indian_culture #business #think_again #sincere_citizen

This is an interesting read from The Business of Fashion musing on the global fashion climate re Pride Month 2024. I had similar questions this Pride month (in my small corner as a mere ally). A lot of brands - locally and internationally - have opted out of Pride this year as they cower in the face of online backlash, both past and preemptive. Has the fact that the online mindset shift has seemingly become more conservative - and to an extent, brazenly bigoted - forced brands into silent allyship or were they always grandstanding to begin with? Hard to tell? Or unfair to only assume the latter? In this BoF article, CEO of The Phluid Project, Rob Smith, provides what I think is the closest answer to this conundrum of inclusion by observing that “the brands that will be successful in courting [the LGBTQ community] are doing marketing initiatives throughout the year, even for events with less media attention such as Trans Day of Visibility, which falls in March.” “Pride this year is one of reflection and reinvention,” said Smith. “Brands need to recalibrate and figure out how to show up more authentically for the queer community.” #fashionmarketing #DiversityEquityInclusion #PrideMonth

✨ When the world shakes, we stand taller. ✨ In times like these, resilience isn’t just a mindset – it’s our superpower. As Black women, we carry so much for our families, communities, and workplaces. Today, let’s commit to supporting each other more deeply, especially in ways that make an impact. 🖤 Use our economic power: There is incredible strength in where we choose to spend our dollars. By supporting Black women-owned businesses, we uplift each other and strengthen our collective future. Here are some great resources to explore and share: BuyBlack.org – The largest directory of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. ShoppeBlack.us – A global guide to Black-owned businesses. HellaBlack.com – Marketplace for curated Black-owned products. BLK + GRN – Natural products by Black artisans. Etsy’s Black-Owned Shops – Unique, handcrafted items. 🫶🏽 Check in on each other: Now more than ever, let's make sure we’re checking in with each other – a simple “How are you, sis?” goes a long way. We are our own greatest support system, and together, there’s nothing we can’t face. #MichelleObama @BozomaSaintJohn #AmandaSeales @MindaHarts – Thank you for continuing to be role models and lifting us all up. Let’s remind ourselves and each other: we are powerful, we are resilient, and we have each other’s backs. 💪🏾 #BlackWomenSupportingBlackWomen #SupportBlackOwnedBusinesses #Resilience #CommunityCare #BlackGirlMagic #BuyBlack #Sisterhood #WomenEmpowerment #ABlackGirlsGuide

The future of beauty is inclusive, and the path there is clearer than you think. Demand for diversity in gender, race, age, and body size continues to grow. According to the Circana and SeeMe Index report, inclusive brands experience faster growth and can effectively improve their practices. Discover how your brand can lead the charge in inclusivity and enjoy accelerated growth.

“Fashion is a statement of identity, confidence, and power—and Keisha Greaves is here to remind us all that it’s also for everyone. As the founder of Girls Chronically Rock, Keisha is breaking barriers adaptively, creating stylish and empowering designs that encourage individuals with disabilities to ‘trust their dopeness.’ Diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy at 24, she turned her challenges into a mission—proving that fashion isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling unstoppable. But Keisha’s impact doesn’t stop at clothing. She’s a mentor and advocate, helping young people with disabilities prepare for their careers, explore entrepreneurship, and embrace their full potential. Through her work, she’s redefining representation in the fashion industry and beyond.  Let’s elevate her story! Share your favorite inclusive beauty brands, or drop a comment on how fashion can be a tool for empowerment. Together, we can amplify voices like Keisha’s and continue reshaping narratives around disability and beauty. #AdaptiveFashion #TrustYourDopeness #RepresentationMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #BreakingBarriers #InspirationInStyle

The beauty industry has taken great leaps in diversity, but the journey to true inclusivity is far from over. While expanded shade ranges and more diverse campaigns and now all the rage, thanks to Fenty Beauty + Fenty Skin leading the way. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, it's time to dig deeper. 💅🏿 Some brands face accusations of tokenism or performative activism, highlighting the need for genuine and sustained efforts towards representation. 💄 The billions spent by Black women on beauty products is undeniable power. We need to see more Black women in leadership roles, products tailored to the unique needs of diverse skin types, backed by research, and a genuine commitment to amplifying voices often marginalised. Let's see brands invest that power back into the community. Tag a brand that you feel is empowering the beauty of diversity. Read more here https://lnkd.in/drHdVxsw #echichéMovement #DiversityInBeauty #BeautyForAll #RepresentationMatters #inclusivity #diversity #beautyindustry