Felita Harris, CEO of Raise Fashion, highlights how the fashion industry often treats Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as fleeting trends rather than sustainable commitments. This episode reveals how Raise Fashion champions BIPOC talent by building an ecosystem of networking, financial opportunities, and distribution channels, enabling underrepresented designers to scale their businesses and achieve equitable representation at major events like New York Fashion Week.
Key takeaways
BIPOC brands and designers face systemic disadvantages in networking, funding, and distribution; pro-bono and operational ecosystems like Raise Fashion's are crucial for bridging these gaps.
Participation in high-visibility events like New York Fashion Week is vital for emerging BIPOC designers to gain exposure and scale, especially when supported by dedicated organizations and corporate sponsors.
Creating a community that actively embraces change and inclusion is essential for the long-term evolution and relevance of the fashion industry.
Fashion brands must move beyond performative DEI initiatives and invest in long-term strategies and partnerships that genuinely uplift underrepresented talent and foster equitable opportunities.
Mentorship, resources, and strategic partnerships are key to overcoming barriers and enabling BIPOC designers to successfully scale their businesses.
At a time when DEI initiatives are regressing and investment in BIPOC brands is dropping, Raise Fashion continues to make an impact. As described by Felita Harris, a founding board member and now the CEO of the nonprofit organization, Raise has remained dedicated to advancing the equity of BIPOC talent in the fashion industry since its launch in 2020. "Represented individuals have an ecosystem where they can network, receive financial opportunities and distribute their products with a certain level of ease. Underrepresented talent does not have the same opportunities. So we are building a pro bono and operational ecosystem that services the voices of underrepresented, often BIPOC talent,” Harris said on the latest episode of the Glossy Podcast. For example, through a Masterclass series, Raise awards and supports 10 BIPOC designers each year. On Wednesday, this year’s Masterclass designers, including Fe Noel, Charles Harbison and K.NGSLEY, will present their spring 2025 collections at a New York Fashion Week event hosted by Raise Fashion and sponsored by Abercrombie & Fitch. “For us, it's about creating this environment where [BIPOC] designers can receive the information they need — the networking and resources that are required to scale,” Harris said. “And they're doing it in a community that wants to embrace the change and inclusion that is necessary to evolve the fashion industry.”
Harris also discussed the state of diversity in fashion, the importance of NYFW participation and Raise Fashion’s long-term mission.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
BIPOC brands and designers face systemic disadvantages in networking, funding, and distribution; pro-bono and operational ecosystems like Raise Fashion's are crucial for bridging these gaps.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Participation in high-visibility events like New York Fashion Week is vital for emerging BIPOC designers to gain exposure and scale, especially when supported by dedicated organizations and corporate sponsors.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Creating a community that actively embraces change and inclusion is essential for the long-term evolution and relevance of the fashion industry.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Fashion brands must move beyond performative DEI initiatives and invest in long-term strategies and partnerships that genuinely uplift underrepresented talent and foster equitable opportunities.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Mentorship, resources, and strategic partnerships are key to overcoming barriers and enabling BIPOC designers to successfully scale their businesses.
