Sexism in the fashion industry?

(Image courtesy of gc4women.com)

As you may or may not no Emma Watson recently founded a new gender equality movement that is #HeforeShe where she has made several long and enthralling speeches on the matter of gender equality within day to day life, whether that be at home or in the workplace. Her most reason was based around inequality within the fashion industry, with the help of British Vogue and there YouTube channel Emma Watson created a video where she asks top designers like Stella McCartney and Bella Freud a series of questions based around sexism within the industry.

Although Emma Watson states "I want to get this conversation, this dialogue happening specifically within the fashion industry to ask the leading voices about gender equality." She also mentions "I think it's really improving. I've seen some very positive steps towards equality in the industry”. Not only does Emma Watson provide us with a platform that says something should be done she also highlights that slowly the problem is being handled. I was keen to see what fashion guru’s like yourself thought about sexism within the fashion industry and whether the matter could be improved.

I asked several people Do you think sexism is a problem in the fashion industry and if so why do you think that is?”:

Talia a freelance fashion stylist who has interned throughout several parts of the industry said: “I don’t really find any kind of sexism in the industry, my current job has a majority of women working within offices. Don’t get me wrong CEO and the majority of the ‘big bosses’ are male but I personally don’t feel there are limitations to strive for these roles. There could be issues surrounding sexism within the industry but I’m truly yet to experience it!”

Krystal who writes a fashion and beauty blog to see what her thoughts were: “Personally I feel like sexism within fashion is huge! I guess, where my opinion ion stems from is that I feel like no matter your gender you should be able to wear what you please. For example even just a few years ago guys wouldn’t wear pink? And now it’s still the same way with colours, fashion pieces and even the whole genre of fashion itself. Fashion is a huge way to express yourself and you should be able to no matter what your gender, sexuality, race, age or whatever it may be!”

Lastly I also spoke to a Fashion student at the University of Central Lancashire Eleanor: ”I am currently studying a fashion course at UClan in which there are around 30 students, and only one of which is male. Although the majority of major successful fashion houses were founded and are currently directed by males. Personally I feel there is defiantly a rise in males being interested in fashion and it’s amazing!”

Getting the perspective’s off the 3 women who a in complete different positions within the fashion industry has certainly made me think more about Emma Watson’s campaign and whether there truly is a problem.

Please get in touch and let me know what your thoughts are on Sexism in the fashion industry!