Blurred x FMA found that the fashion and beauty industries are still facing three critical challenges related to equity and inclusion in the employee life-cycle. Credit: Shutterstock.

According to the findings, while there is some consensus in the steps taken to create more diverse and inclusive environments in the fashion and creative industries, there is still some way to go.

Almost half (45%) of respondents reveal they have had to leave their current role to achieve a promotion. Of these, 52% are now at the management and mid-senior level.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The study assessed representation and the employee lifecycle for underrepresented groups within the fashion and creative industries, specifically exploring how companies draw in applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, their ability to retain underrepresented employees and whether they are enabling underrepresented progression within organisations and the wider industry relative to non-minority employees.

As part of the research, Blurred applied its expertise in ESGP (ESG + Purpose) to explore the gaps between intention and performance when it comes to underrepresented representation and the implications for sustainability more widely.

Through the research, Blurred x FMA found that the fashion and beauty industries are still facing three critical challenges related to equity and inclusion in the employee lifecycle, namely:

  • Difficulty in creating a sense of inclusion and belonging consistently across corporate culture and business practices
  • Attrition of staff from underrepresented backgrounds at the mid-level linked to lack of progression or promotion prospects
  • Lack of preparation and education to avert crises related to representation – both internally and externally – that demonstrate performative commitment to inclusive practices.

The report builds on these findings with targeted, actionable recommendations for brands and businesses.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Alexis Williams, chairman at Fashion Minority Alliance said: “Fashion Minority Alliance is proud to have partnered with Blurred in this endeavour. The work will help give a deeper understanding of the status of inclusion and belonging in the fashion and beauty sectors. Providing pathway support for individuals from underrepresented communities together with inclusion and belonging strategies to fashion and beauty businesses as a whole are central to our work at Fashion Minority Alliance and this research will help us to strengthen our efforts.”

Nik Govier, founder and CEO of Blurred said: “The Fashion Minority Alliance is a truly impactful organisation that is raising the standards of representation and diversity in the fashion industry. Diversity, equity and inclusion are core to our values at Blurred, so we’re excited to be launching this much needed research with the Fashion Minority Alliance, and looking forward to delivering insights that can drive change.”