From Africa to the World: Expanding Fashion’s Horizons at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit

The recent BRICS+ Fashion Summit spotlighted the intersection of culture, innovation, and sustainability within the fashion industry, with a particular focus on amplifying the voices of emerging markets. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other nations convened to share strategies for driving inclusivity and sustainability in global fashion.

Nichole M. Bess, Founder of Noir Fashion Week in New York, reiterated the importance of embedding diversity at every level of the industry:
"We must prioritize diversity and representation at every level—from design teams to leadership roles. This means actively seeking out diverse voices and perspectives, fostering an inclusive culture, and holding ourselves accountable for progress. We need to focus more on intersectionality, ensuring that we’re not just ticking boxes but truly embracing the full spectrum of diversity. By sharing knowledge and best practices among BRICS+ nations, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future in fashion.”

The summit highlighted Africa's growing influence in shaping global fashion narratives and underscored the need for collaborative efforts to address systemic inequalities while paving the way for ethical, sustainable growth.

Read the full article on the BRICS+ Fashion Summit’s efforts to broaden fashion horizons here.