As I sip my champagne and survey the exquisite chaos that is London Fashion Week, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and disbelief. I adore the drama, the fashion, and the unapologetic luxury that comes with it. London Fashion Week is like a grand birthday party for the fashion elite—think champagne showers, head-turning couture, and influencers with followings bigger than entire countries. But underneath all the glamour lies an ugliness that no amount of sequins or stilettos can hide: racism and sexism. Yes, you read that right. And, as someone who loves her opulence but won’t tolerate injustice, this makes my designer heels clench.
Before we dive into the ugly bits, let me just say this: Fashion is supposed to be fun, fabulous, and inclusive. Yet, for some women, particularly women of color, the experience is often tainted by bias, disrespect, and downright discrimination.
Yes, this happens, I have written proof from my lawyers and third parties. Hard to believe, but it’s true. We may be swathed in silk, but many of us still get treated like we don’t belong.
Bullying happened to Gracie Opulanza for many seasons until a lawyer stepped in.
London Fashion Week: Where’s the Love?
So, picture this: a woman, decked out in a show-stopping outfit (because who doesn’t dress to kill at London Fashion Week?), struts into the venue. She’s excited, she’s ready to mingle, to take her rightful seat among the glitterati. But instead of the red carpet treatment, she’s hit with a barrage of sexist and racist behavior. Oh, the nerve!
And don’t get me wrong—London Fashion Week is my absolute favorite event of the year. It’s where trends are born, where fashion-forward meets fashionably late. It’s where dreams, sewn in couture fabric, walk the runway. But, darlings, it’s 2024, and we’re still dealing with the same old prejudices that should’ve gone out of style decades ago.
This woman, celebrating her metaphorical birthday at the event, speaks out about how she was mistreated. She’s labeled a diva, of course, because apparently, standing up for yourself makes you difficult. But here’s the thing: she wasn’t asking for much. Just a little respect. The kind of respect that should be standard, not a luxury item reserved for the privileged few.
Racism and sexism still run rampant, even in places as glossy and fabulous as London Fashion Week.
Sexism: The Uninvited Guest
Now, if you’re anything like me, you thrive in an environment that celebrates women—strong, stylish, smart women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to go after it. But sexism? It’s the uninvited guest that always manages to crash the party.
Take our fierce fashionista, for example.
She’s hustling in a world that should be celebrating her talent, her style, her sheer presence. Yet, instead of applause, she’s met with condescending remarks and degrading looks. And this isn’t just about catty comments or a sneer here and there.
We’re talking about outright sexist behavior. It’s almost as if some people still believe that women don’t belong at the top of this game. The irony? Fashion is, by and large, run by women!
The frustration bubbles up inside me when I think about how many brilliant women are held back, sidelined, or outright ignored just because they happen to be born female. In a place where femininity is celebrated through design and clothing, you’d think we’d also celebrate the brains behind those looks. Instead, too often, the industry becomes a battleground where women have to fight for their place at the table—and God forbid you ask for a bit of respect while doing it.
Racism: Still in Style?
Racism in fashion? Say it isn’t so! But yes, my fabulous friends, it’s as real as the leather on my handbag. Women of color have been fighting for their place on the runway, behind the scenes, and in front rows for far too long. While strides have been made, we’re not there yet.
Is London Fashion Week a glittering example of diversity?
And in some ways, it is. We see more models of color, more designers from diverse backgrounds, and more representation than ever before. But representation isn’t the same as equality. Just because you’re visible doesn’t mean you’re valued.
The woman at the center of this story has openly discussed how she was treated differently because of her race. She wasn’t welcomed with open arms like her peers. Instead, she was shoved to the back, figuratively and literally. And when she dared to speak up about it? The claws came out. Racism may not be the most glamorous accessory, but it’s still hanging around, uninvited, like a moth in your favorite cashmere sweater.
It’s Time to Say No to Fashion Faux Pas
What grinds my gears is how, in an industry that’s supposed to celebrate the bold and the brave, so many powerful women are silenced. Fashion should be a place where we can all feel fabulous, no matter our gender, race, or background. Yet too often, women, especially women of color, are treated like they’re lucky just to be there. Honey, we’re not lucky to be here. We deserve to be here. And I’ll say it louder for the people in the back: Our place in this industry isn’t a gift—it’s a right.
If I had a pound for every time someone dismissed a woman’s achievements, especially a woman of color, as ‘lucky,’ I’d have a Birkin bag in every color. This isn’t luck. It’s talent, grit, and an unwavering sense of self-worth. We don’t ask for permission; we take our space—because we’ve earned it.
But the question remains: Why do we still have to fight for it?
Handle It Like a Queen
So, how do you handle this blatant discrimination at London Fashion Week? First, darling, always remember that you belong there. No one gets to make you feel like you don’t deserve your spot, whether you’re sitting front row or sashaying down the runway. Own your space. And if anyone tries to belittle you, remember—those who throw shade are usually standing in the dark.
When the sexism and racism start to rear their ugly heads, call it out. Don’t let it slide, because every time we let these behaviors go unchecked, they grow stronger. Speak your truth with confidence, and don’t apologize for it. The industry needs voices like yours. You’re not just there to look pretty in an outfit; you’re there to make a statement.
Also, remember that your tribe is out there. Look around at all the other fabulous women who are just as passionate about fashion as you are. We’re in this together, and the more we support each other, the stronger we become. No one can break us if we stand together.
Celebrating Fashion, and Ourselves
London Fashion Week is about celebrating creativity, individuality, and, yes, luxury. But it’s also about celebrating the women who make it all happen. We’re not here to be quiet or to simply look pretty—we’re here to take over. So while we sip champagne and enjoy the shows, let’s also demand the respect we deserve.
After all, darling, fashion may be fabulous, but nothing is more glamorous than equality.
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