'The Reporter' launch from (Fashion) Minority Report highlights diversity failings and wins

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Feb 16, 2023

The (Fashion) Minority Report has launched the inaugural issue of its newspaper, The Reporter, “to influence diverse conversations on equity, inclusion, and culture”, at the same time as attention is focused on the UK due to London Fashion Week. 

The Reporter is an annual print and digital newspaper that “will spotlight conversations surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion within the creative sectors from leading industry voices and brands, each invited to contribute and report on topics of driving measurable change for historically underrepresented voices”.

Aiming to make a big impact for issue one, it includes its diversity and inclusion trend report for 2023. This incorporates case studies from Farfetch “discussing advancing internal talent from minority backgrounds”; what ASOS is doing to help emerging talent thrive; and the changes that Schuh is putting in place for disabled customers. 

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Susanah Lau (aka Susie Bubble) also features on the cover and talks about “breaking the wall”.

As well as the content featuring those high-profile names, there’s data based on a bespoke survey of over 187 fashion industry professionals surveyed who responded last month. 

This shows that 10% of them obtained their job through a connection, with two-thirds of them being white. Some 36% obtained their job/position due to a family member or friend who worked at the job they applied for, and a similar number had a family member or friend who knew someone senior at the company they applied for (32%). Some 22% had a connection who shared their CV for them via their professional network. 

Also, 51% believe the industry isn't creating change around diversity, equity, and inclusion quickly enough.

Daniel Peters, the founder of The (Fashion) Minority Report said: “We need more representation at all levels, both behind and in front of the camera or screen, to ensure that the fashion industry is a level playing field and accessible to all. The launch of the newspaper will shed light on these issues and raise awareness of the steps we, as an industry, still need to take across all levels of seniority and business roles.”