Fashion Forum: Design for Diversity
diversity network fashion forum edinburgh college of art national museum scotland
Last night, I attended the launch of the inaugral Design for Diversity festival at the National Museum of Scotland, where I saw renowned fashion commentator Caryn Franklin MBE in conversation with designers Teatum Jones and Linda of Rwandan fashion brand Haute Baso.
During the event, CarynFranklin interviewed these diversity champions to discuss the ongoing importance for diversity celebration within the global fashion industry, whilst an exhibition of work hosted by the talented Edinburgh College of Art fashion students took place.Read more to discover what else is on the cards for Fashion Forum 2018 and book event tickets now.
Fashion Forum: Design for Diversity is a programme of events which explores new, inclusive approaches to fashion, focusing on design which enhances self-esteem and fully reflects diversity. As well as the wonderful launch night on Friday, and last night's screening of one of my favourite fashion documnetaries, Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen, the (FREE!) events include:
Debra Bourne MBE, Co-Founder of All Walks Beyond the Catwalk in conversation with Ib Kamara and Campbell Addy
Celebrated fashion photographer Campbell Addy and renowned fashion stylist Ib Kamara join award-winning diversity champions All Walks Beyond the Catwalk in a conversation which challenges the fashion industry’s dependence on what they see as limited and unachievable body and beauty ideals.
Monday 5 February
18.30 - 20.00. Doors open 18:00.
Free, booking required.
Body marks: Diversity as a creative force
Edinburgh-based artist Joan Smith will lead this workshop, using the form, proportions and limitations of the body to compose large scale drawings. Using simple objects to interrupt your normal interactions, the workshop will highlight some of the challenges faced by people with disabilities but also show how understanding limitations can enable innovation and creativity.
Wednesday 7 February
10:30 – 13:00 Free, booking required.
Fashion in the dark
The fashion industry is primarily visual, yet around one person in thirty is registered blind or visually impaired in the UK. Lecturer Emily Ford-Halliday will lead this workshop, which considers alternative sensory approaches to design and fashion writing. You will be led through a series of sensory reductive activities, and asked to consider the impact these activities might have on your creative process.
Wednesday 7 February
This workshop is open to current fashion students, recent graduates, and independent designers.
13:30 – 16:30 Free, booking required.
Mal Burkinshaw in conversation with Emmanuel De Lange, Daphne Selfe, Caryn Franklin and Kelly Knox
Mal Burkinshaw, Director of the Diversity Network in conversation with the ‘world’s oldest supermodel’ Daphne Selfe, renowned fashion commentator Caryn Franklin,Emmanuel De Lange, Head of the Models Network at Equity, and fashion model Kelly Knox, a passionate advocate for diversity and disability in fashion.
Wednesday 7 February
18.30 - 20.00. Doors open 18:00.
Free, booking required.
Mal Burkinshaw in conversation with The British Fashion Council on Positive Change
Mal Burkinshaw, Director of the Diversity Network discusses the ways in which the British Fashion Council is endorsing a force for positive change and activism within the fashion industry.
Thursday 8 February
18:30 – 20:00 Doors open 18:00. Free, booking required.
There are so many amazing conversations taking place throughout the week which I hope you can find time to attend, although they are free you have to book to secure your seat, so don't delay as there is so much demand! (Unfortunately you won't see me there during the week as I'll be out of the country- follow my New York Fashion Week adventures over on Instagram!)
diversity network fashion forum edinburgh college of art national museum scotland
A huge thanks again to the National Museum of Scotland for having me at this fantastic event, and to the supporters of the Fashion Forum: Design for Diversity sponsors and supporters-Royal Society of Edinburgh and the British Council- too. I had a brilliant time catching up with folks from Fashion Revolution, Scotland Re:Designed, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh College of Art and Craft Scotland.
Its really encourging and inspiring to not only see valuable discussion about one of the biggest global commercial industries taking place here in the heart of Scotland, but also focussing on a topic vital for us all, as employees, employers and consumers, that is of course, diversity, in age, shape, race, ability and gender.