Time for Fashion to Woke Up

I admit to feeling less than enthusiastic regarding the recent announcement of Kim Jones’ new role as Artistic Director of womenswear and couture for Italian fashion house Fendi, following in the footsteps of the late Karl Lagerfeld. To be clear, I’m not questioning Mr. Jones’ talent or qualifications for this now role, which will see him partner with Silvia Fendi, who still leads design of accessories and mens’ collections. Instead I’m questioning LVMH’s choice of a white male who already holds a significant role as Artistic Director of Menswear for Dior, a choice that comes hot on the heels of another new hire (also by LVMH) at Givenchy, where Matthew Williams — equally male and white — was introduced as Creative Director, replacing Clare Waight Keller, who departed after a three year tenure. These choices feel somewhat tone deaf to me, given not only the growing focus on diversity in the workplace (or the notable lack thereof in European fashion houses), but also the fact that so few women are at the helm of major fashion houses: Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior,  <a href="https://medium.com/@beatrice.maccabe/time-for-fashion-to-woke-up-27131fe6365b">Read More</a>