Chanel is one of the most iconic and prestigious fashion brands in the world, known for its timeless designs and innovative approach to fashion. In recent years, Chanel has made a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, particularly with regards to women of color (WOC).
WOC have historically been underrepresented in the fashion industry, and Chanel is one of many brands that have faced criticism for lack of diversity on the runway and in advertising campaigns. However, Chanel has taken steps to address this issue in recent years.
One major step that Chanel took was hiring Viola Davis as the face of their latest campaign. Davis is a groundbreaking actress who has broken down barriers for WOC in Hollywood, and her partnership with Chanel sends a powerful message about inclusivity.
In addition to this partnership, Chanel has also made efforts to diversify its runway shows. In 2018, they featured more models of color than ever before, including notable names like Adut Akech and Yoon Young Bae.
Chanel’s commitment to diversity is not just about representation on the runway or in advertising. The brand has also taken steps internally to promote inclusivity. For example, they have established an inclusion and diversity committee made up of employees from across different departments within the company.
This committee works to ensure that all employees feel valued and respected regardless of their race or ethnicity. They also work with external organizations to promote diversity in hiring practices and other aspects of the fashion industry.
Chanel’s commitment to diversity is not without its critics. Some argue that the brand’s efforts are simply performative and do not address deeper issues within the fashion industry. Others argue that more needs to be done beyond simply hiring WOC as models or spokespeople.
Regardless of these criticisms, it is clear that Chanel’s efforts towards inclusivity are a step in the right direction. By partnering with Viola Davis and featuring more models of color on their runways, they are sending a powerful message about the importance of diversity in the fashion industry. And by establishing an inclusion and diversity committee, they are taking steps towards creating a more inclusive workplace for all employees.