On October 3, 2024, the session “Inclusive Chic. Reflect Everyone and Everyone” was held as part of the BRICS + Fashion Summit.
The session was moderated by Galina Volkova, a member of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, Head of the BRICS WBA Russia Chapter Working Group on Inclusive Economy. Guests from more than 100 countries attended the event. For the first time, the forum was attended by delegations from 45 countries, including Mongolia, Congo, El Salvador, Laos and Qatar. Heads of fashion associations, heads of major companies and leading industry experts were also invited.
The important topic of inclusion and fashion was discussed by session participants from Russia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and India.
The diversity and inclusion (D&I) market was valued at approximately US$10.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a growth rate of 12.5% annually. In the BRICS countries, such a concept as an inclusive economy is actively considered, as the market has begun to grow rapidly. In the fashion industry, the topic of inclusivity is becoming increasingly relevant. But each country approaches this concept differently. All aspects of this topic were discussed by market participants.
The discussion was attended by Priscilla Chigariro, founder of the Zimbabwe Fashion Week Trust, Mahlet Teklemariam, founder and organizer of the Hub of Africa Fashion Week in Ethiopia, Nicole M. Bess, founder of the Noir Fashion Week, as well as representatives of India.
Summing up, Galina Volkova noted that it is very important to take into account all the diversity of approaches to universal design, inclusion and sustainable development of the BRICS countries.
This session was the second block of discussion of the topic of inclusion. The first part took place during the design and interior week, where the topic of inclusive environmental design was raised.
The best experts discussed what competencies and new products of universal design can be presented on the international market of BRICS countries.