The past few years have witnessed a marked shift in the fashion world towards inclusivity, mirroring a sea change in society to make amends for an utter lack of diversity and representation. Going into 2024, several brands lead the charge and push the envelope in setting new standards for inclusivity within fashion.
1. Ganni: Expanding on Size Inclusion
Long before this new wave of size inclusivity, came Ganni-the pioneering Danish fashion brand. This April 2024, Ganni teamed up with model Paloma Elsesser to debut a size-inclusive line that went from EU size 32 to 52. The collaboration marked Ganni’s expanded size range but the commitment of the company toward inclusivity and diversity.
2. Victoria’s Secret: New Strategy towards Diversity
And the brand worked at changing that-from being lambasted for its narrow interpretation of beauty, Victoria’s Secret has managed a revolution of sorts. This October 2024, the brand is back with its fashion show, staging a cast reflective of its new emphasis on diversity and inclusivity: transgender models like Alex Consani and Valentina Sampaio, plus models over 50-a far cry from the brand’s former image.
3. Telfar: Refashioning Retail Spaces into Community
Telfar is a brand proudly touting an “Not for You — For Everyone” ethos, making sure with every new season it pushes that notion of inclusivity a step further. In November 2024, Telfar unveiled a fresh store in New York, concepted as a community space inviting interaction and participation. Telfar does not approach retail as a way of double-downing on promises of access and community building.
4. Diotima: Advocating for Black Designers
Helmed by designer Rachel Scott, Diotima has been critically acclaimed for its interesting interplay between cultural identity and modern sensitivity. This past November 2024, Scott was given the inaugural Empowered Vision Award for creative and commercial achievement in testimony to the growing urge for space to be given to Black designers, cultivating diversity within the fashion world.
5. Diesel: Embracing Gender Fluidity
Diesel is presented under creative direction by Glenn Martens, for completely genderless fashion. In November 2024, Diesel created a capsule collection with Italian singer Damiano David that will get people to love their bodies but also question the notion of gender. This is part of a trend toward greater inclusivity and self-expression within fashion.
6. Adaptive Fashion: Meeting the Needs of the Disabled
Adaptive fashion was designed for people with disabilities and is one of the fastest-growing fashion segments today. With the brilliant perception of Emma Butler, Liberare was one of the first to offer practical but fabulous options, including the magnetized front closure bras. Quite often, even mainstrem labels present their adaptive collections where functionality meets aesthetics. It really shows how serious the industry is about accessibility and inclusion.
7. Chroma: Supporting Transgender and Non-binary
Chromat is known for inclusive designs of all kinds of gender expression; it partnered with Tourmaline in hopes of offering swimmers models. This functional and stylish swimwear meets the specific fashion needs in transgender and gender nonconforming communities.
8. Good American: Pioneer of Size Inclusivity
Co-founded in 2016 by Emma Grede and Khloé Kardashian, Good American was built with inclusivity at its core, offering a range of sizes from 00 to 24. The brand’s dedication to creating chic dresses in extended sizes has raised the bar within the industry, inspiring other brands to follow its lead and prioritize diversity in their collections.
9. Harlem’s Fashion Row: Bridging the Gap for Designers of Color
Founded by Brandice Daniel, Harlem’s Fashion Row has been at the forefront of pushing for diversity and representation in the industry. The organization connects brands and designers of color that the industry has typically overlooked, fostering a more diverse fashion world.
10. Fenty Beauty: Setting a New Standard for Shade Inclusion
First launched in 2017, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna really moved the needle with its phenomenal range of shades, pushing other brands on their toes, extending their offerings, and taking a stand in the name of diversity within the beauty industry.
11. Valentino: Certification by Equal pay
In January 2024, Valentino was among the first luxury companies to obtain Certification for Gender Equality because of its seriousness in the pursuit of equal pay. Indeed, the glorious fashion house reduced the pay gap below 10%, declaring a goal for an additional reduction over the next three years, thus underlining its responsibility in the field of gender equality in fashion.
12. Gymshark: Diversity in the Fitness Apparel Market
Gymshark is doing a great job of building a really inclusive, diverse community. Its partnership with hijabi athletes has been commended as one that breaks through the barriers in a workout and ups the ante on sportiness with inclusivity. In August 2023, one striking 3D billboard featured Leana Deeb in her hijab to show that Gymshark believes in respecting the practice of religion by Muslim women, even at work.
- Patagonia: Pioneering Sustainability and Representation for All Patagonia is highly esteemed for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and holds leadership in celebrating Indigenous cultural heritage within the outdoor apparel industry. In 2024, it unveiled diverse products in collaboration with Native artists and activists who amplify the discussion on protection of the cultural heritage. This collection weaves tradition into design and best practice in sustainability-a testament to Patagonia’s commitment to inclusive business practice and environmental stewardship. This not only empowers indigenous communities but can educate the consumer about the cultural preservations of their traditions within the fashion industry.
Inclusion is the Future of Fashion As the industry moves forward, inclusion isn’t a trend-it’s a significant happening in the world of fashion. Adaptive clothing, among other changes, is rewriting the way customers wear fashion, it’s becoming increasingly representative in the cast of ethnic, body, and gender diversities. With such change, it is apparent that brands championing inclusivity continuously attract customer loyalty as they forge a better path in ensuring equity within industries. This transformational shift proves that fashion was not simply about clothes but about creating an environment where every person is seen, represented, and celebrated. The path of inclusivity within the fashion industry is not a dot, but a continuum of brands and people championing a more inclusive, representative landscape. It is now for the industry to wholly get used to this diversity in all its manifestations and make fashion not only reflect the changing values of society, but both accessible and empowering for all-consumers do want more inclusivity.
