London, United Kingdom – In September last year, fashion weeks were held in the cultural powerhouse cities of New York, London, Milan and Paris as part of the Spring/Summer 2021 season.
Overall, 41.3 percent of models were people of colour, a slight increase from the previous season, which had a rate of 40.6 percent, according to The Fashion Spot, an online magazine that monitors diversity in the industry.
However, with the next round of fashion weeks to begin on Sunday, critics say last season’s marginally improved figure was a show of tokenism.
They believe much more needs to be done to achieve real diversity – both in front of and behind the camera – while collectively trying to shift industry attitudes to achieve fundamental change.
Danish Siddiqui/Reuters
There s constant news of brutality against minorities and violence between various religious communities.
Since the Modi government came into power, the Hindu-first agenda has only accelerated, and I m not sure if my country is prepared for more.
Peony Hirwani is a freelance journalist.
This is an opinion column. The thoughts expressed are those of the author.
Between 1500 and 1000 BC, a caste system was introduced in India where individuals were separated based on their class, or Varna. The aim was to simplify duties, protect the virtue of a caste, and establish order. The lower class became slaves to the high society, and the Dalit community (also known as outcasts or untouchables) were spat on.