Modern fashion has never been so diverse and accepting of all body types, sizes and shapes. The number of media influencers that are normalizing this much-needed shift in fashion is growing, and it is fostering a culture of inclusion in the fashion industry. From plus-size model Ashley Graham to Hollywood stars like Viola Davis, prominent celebrities are paving the way for us to embrace our difference and redefine beauty standards. In this article, we celebrate celebrity fashion that is embracing diversity and changing the way we perceive beauty.
1. A New World of Inclusivity: Celebrating Diversity in Celebrity Fashion
Fashion has always been about making a bold statement, and there is no better way to make a statement than with diversity. Celebrities have taken the lead in showcasing a plethora of unique styles, ranging from traditional to daring and modern.
In 2020, more than ever, we are seeing a new world of inclusivity and celebration of diversity in celebrity fashion. Representation in film, television, and music are becoming more varied, allowing celebrities to express themselves in ways that would have been unimaginable a decade ago.
We are seeing a surge in styles including:
- Gender fluid fashion – Models like Hari Nef have put their unique genderfluid spin on fashion, mixing and matching pieces from different gender binaries.
- Ethnic diversity – Global fashion weeks have showcased traditional styles from around the world, featuring models from different ethnic backgrounds.
- Size inclusivity – Brands like Chromat are featuring models of all sizes, proving that fashion is for everyone.
Celebrities are showing that fashion is not just about trends, but a powerful way to express identity and self-expression. It has never been a better time to celebrate differences and welcome them into our daily lives.
2. Understanding the Impact of Beauty Standards
It’s no surprise that beauty standards have a major impact on society. How we view and interact with each other is shaped by our understanding of beauty and what we consider attractive. However, these standards are always changing and can play a multifaceted role on every level, from the way we dress to the way we interact with each other. Understanding this dynamic is essential in navigating modern society.
At their core, beauty standards are used to judge and classify physical appearance. Many societies distinguish between the ‘ideal’ or attractive features and the traits considered acceptable, instead of celebrating all types of beauty. This can lead to competition for expressing a certain look, often highlighting physical features that go against diversity and respect for others.
The influence of beauty standards also goes beyond the physical. It’s become increasingly apparent that beauty standards have a deep-seated effect on both our self-confidence and self-worth. They also encroach on the way we see our life goals and potential, as they tend to overemphasize physical appearance as a correlated factor to success. But this isn’t always the case and oppressive standards can reinforce these negative, damaging attitudes.
Beauty Standards Come with a Cost
The impact of beauty standards on individuals, communities, and cultures is immense. In some cases, it can lead to extreme body modification and risky beauty habits. With today’s mass media becoming increasingly intrusive, beauty standards are often applied and reinforced beyond certain cultures and ideals. As a result, many individuals experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and even suicidal thoughts as a result of feeling ‘less-than’ when they are judged by these standards.
In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s vital to understand the implications of beauty standards and break down the arbitrary, damaging labels of what is considered attractive. This understanding can not only help us all understand each other better, but also allow us to reframe how our communities view physical beauty and promote respect and diversity.
- Beauty standards are ever-changing and can play a role on every level of society.
- These standards often lead to competition for expressing a certain look, which can go against diversity and respect.
- The influence of beauty standards also affects our self-confidence and worth.
- Beauty standards come with a cost, as it can lead to risky beauty habits and depression.
- It’s important to understand these implications and break down arbitrary labels.
3. Empowering Celebrities to Take a Stand for Change
Celebrities are one of the most powerful tools that can be used to create awareness and inspire people to rise up for global causes. With their influence and reach, celebrities can go beyond talking about the issue and have the potential to bring about real social change. Here are three ways that celebrities can play a role in empowering people to act:
- Educate: Celebrities have a wide blank canvas that they can use to spread awareness about particular issues. Whether through social media or speaking engagements, those with a bigger platform can help educate the public about important developments and tragedies, while providing a suitable platform to champion change.
- Get Involved: Going beyond an awareness campaign, celebrities have the resources and influence to back up more targeted campaigns. Through raising funds, showing up to protests, or using their stars status to get the media’s attention, celebrities can make a more meaningful difference in a cause they support.
- Leverage Influence: Celebrities have the power to leverage their influence and that of their followers to make real strides to effect change. Whether through lobbying, creating an online hashtag or starting a petition, celebrities can do more than just talk. They have the courage to call out the systems that are putting the world’s institutions, peoples and communities at risk.
Celebrities, when used correctly, can be a powerful force for positive social change. While fame cannot produce systemic solutions, it is an avenue to bring attention to the struggles and injustices that the world is facing, while inspiring us to act with hope and determination towards a better future.
4. Rewriting the Rules for the Future of Beauty
Beauty has no rules. In the future, beauty is more than simply an appearance or conventional representation of what is considered attractive. People are challenging conventional definitions of beauty, redefining them for a new era. Consumers expect an inclusive approach to beauty from brands.
- Honesty Matters – Consumers crave transparency more than ever. They want honest products, truthful marketing, and genuine representation that reflects them and their values.
- Give a Place for Everyone – For future beauty brands to succeed, they need to focus on inclusion. Women of all ages and sizes, along with transgender, gender non-binary and non-conforming people, should be welcomed and celebrated.
- Personalisation is Essential – Beauty should be tailored to the individual. Consumers now have the power when it comes to choosing products that align with their own unique definition of beauty. Brands should meet the individual’s needs for personalised beauty.
When it comes to the future of beauty, success lies in embracing diversity and allowing consumers to define what it means to be beautiful. By recognising individual preferences and abilities, brands can unlock a new, inclusive and empowering definition of beauty.
It’s no longer about getting it right or wrong, but about adapting to the ever-changing landscape. Brands must rethink how they approach beauty and create an environment where everyone can own their own unique version of it.
We cannot underestimate the power of diverse fashion in celebrating individual beauty. The fashion industry may be shifting toward more inclusive representation, but there is still a long way to go. Let’s keep cherishing looks from all walks of life and create a beauty standard that celebrates what makes us unique. It’s time to cast aside long-held conventions and embrace beauty in all its shapes and sizes.