Black Women And The Racial Divide In Plus-Size Fashion
Black women and the racial Divide in plus-size fashion. With Black women building their own tables in the fashion space a panel of influencers came together to discuss representation and inclusion within the industry.
The Power of Plus Panel
The Power of Plus with their first free virtual panel discussed How Black women are fighting the racial Divide in plus-size fashion. The virtual panel event featured four plus-size fashion industry leaders. Designer and style blogger Gabi Gregg, consultant and And I Get Dressed creator Kellie Brown, model Liris Crosse, and designer Kristine Thompson. The panel hosts were Shammara Lawrence and Gianluca Russo.
The Racial Divide In Plus-Size Fashion
The conversation with four phenomenal women who have helped shape this community over the past two decades was needed. The panel allowed a mix of viewers/attendees within fashion insiders, the media, and the everyday woman. The discussion, which dug into the personal experiences of Black women in the fashion industry.
Much of the conversation was centered on the fact that Black women are now having (and creating) their seats at the table and that they have to use their voices and influence to move the needle on diversity and inclusion, elevating them from being a buzzword that is thrown around.
How Black Women in Plus-Size Fashion
After many brands were called out last month for lack of diversity. Many of the brands we know and love have only a scattering of black people working within leadership roles. Some acknowledge this and promised to work in this. Most we’re still waiting on them to embrace their black client base behind as well as in front of the camera.
Panelist  Liris Crosse spoke about having a list of clients she would love to work with. However, with there being a lack of diversity in the back office limits the diversity achieved in front of the lens.
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How Black Women are Fighting the Racial Divide in Plus-Size Fashion | ESSENCE
The panelists zeroed in on the need for brands not only to offer a variety of sizes for the consumer but also to embrace their diverse backgrounds as part of the brand’s community. Groups like the Black in Fashion Council (BIFC) have formed. Being so new it’s unclear if there will be a focus on the plus-fashion space. In general standard fashion doesn’t give much thought to plus-size fashion unless it’s for a viral moments.
Panelist Kellie Brown even spoke about fat acceptance within the Black media space. When Black media celebrates black women Black women with larger bodies are left out.
Panelist Gabi Gregg spoke for many Blacks in every field of business:
“It’s hard to say no when you want to be accepted. I’m mean you have to pay your rent.”
How Black Women are Fighting the Racial Divide in Plus-Size Fashion | ESSENCE
This was nothing like the usual dreaded “diversity” panel. This lively discussion was needed and eye-opening even for me. Panelist Kristine Thompson shared her experience of being a small business owner and working hard to get her own plus-size fashion line off the ground. I look forward to reporting on many more.
This sounds like it was so good