News

Friday 17 February 2012

Diversity recognised as key issue for fashion students

Caryn Franklin gives presentation to students

Fashion commentator and body image activist – Caryn Franklin – visited Nottingham Trent University earlier this week to discuss the importance of using a diverse range of models in fashion communication.

Staff and students from the University's School of Art & Design were invited to the All Walks Campaign Project seminar that asked them to think about mirroring a more realistic range of women, in age, size and race, than standards currently on offer, in their own projects and future careers in the fashion industry.

All Walks Beyond the Catwalk is an initiative founded by Caryn Franklin, Debra Bourne and Erin O'Connor which is working with influential catwalk designers and top industry creatives to celebrate more diversity within the fashion industry. It recognises the power the fashion industry has to communicate positive messages to women and men about their bodies, and is working within education to help students understand the need for emotionally considerate design and practice.

Matthew Gill, lecturer in fashion, management, marketing and communication at the University, commented: "The problems ‘All Walks' is trying to address are so fundamental to the fashion industry. For our students – who are up and coming designers and fashion promoters - to be informed, educated and enlightened about this issue is essential as it takes something like this to initiate a sea change."

The All Walks website shows a deluge of student comments from all over the country in support of the initiative and many colleges are changing their curriculum to include a diversity module. All Walks recently launched their Centre of Diversity in Edinburgh and are supported by Government Minister Lynne Featherstone.