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Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana: fashion, disability and non-inclusion in the industry
Inclusion and diversity are topics to which we are particularly sensitive. However, we had to overcome a certain discomfort to share this story with you. But if we want to make a change, we have to open up on this matter.
We acknowledged that Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana holds an event, at its second edition, named: “Including Diversity”.
Specifically, on Sept 20th – today – Camera Moda will address diversity and inclusion to promote both matters within the Italian fashion system. If you happen to read about it, you might think the intent is noble and the words powerful. Everything seems on point.
Yes, agreed. If only words truly aligned with actions.
As we wrote in one of our recent posts, inclusion and diversity are much-discussed topics in the fashion field. We call them “the fashion bullshit” – because the smell of marketing is so strong.
Inclusion and diversity: facts vs words
After being diagnosed with a degenerative disease, I can report a much different reality about fashion and inclusion based on my personal experience. Indeed, as a wheelchair user, I can attest that not only showrooms lack accessibility but fashion events too. So, this means you have to rely on the empathy of the staff working there – and that empathy can’t always be taken for granted!
In September 2019 – Covid hit the previous season – I was consulting for a brand participating in one of the exhibitions connected to Camera Moda. The designer had received an invitation to an event dedicated to fashion buyers and emerging designers, and so, the designer extended the invitation to me. I couldn’t attend alone; I needed assistance with my wheelchair. Therefore, the designer informed the Camera Moda press office about the need for a plus-one, which, frankly, shouldn’t require much explanation. Should it?
Their response was that because of the pandemic, they had limited access, so I wasn’t allowed to bring another person with me. Naturally, this meant I couldn’t participate in the event.
My friends were shocked by the idea that I put myself in the position of asking permission. In the case of walking disability, plus-one is a fact, period. But I was afraid any reaction would cause problems for the brand I worked for.
Disappointed by that reply, I posted something on my Instagram. I was fuming, frustrated. Unable to respond as they deserved in that precise moment. Shortly after, a beautiful human DM’d me, asking if she had understood my message correctly.
Laura Mohapi, a talented artist based in London, offered her support. Also, she believed I had to address what happened and offered to write a letter to Camera Moda on my behalf. The thought of having to explain myself made me feel awful, even though I knew it was the right thing to do, so her offer was a much-needed gesture of kindness.
I read the letter she wrote, and it was like receiving a punch in my stomach. I pondered a lot. But eventually, I decided to forward it by email.
No response came to my inbox. Probably it went ignored. And so I sent a registered letter as well.
Disability in fashion: Wheelchair? Please, don’t come!
This time, the message got a little attention – though not much. Indeed, I received in my inbox a forwarded email – in English. They didn’t even bother to make an effort to copy and paste the English version they received into a new email. They paid zero attention to the form, which gave the impression that what happened had no relevance for them. Or perhaps, they weren’t familiar with how to handle official correspondence coming from the president of Camera Moda.
In the end, it took me nearly two years to find the courage to write about it. But the sadness, frustration, and disappointment I feel when I see those ‘Include Diversity’ events still make me sick to my stomach.
And so, Cri and I wonder: when they launch those events for the fashion industry, what do they truly mean?
