This week, a trailblazing new charity dedicated to diversifying the fashion industry was launched. Thehopes to open the doors for young people of colour, by offering financial support, mentorship programmes, and extensive educational resources.
The charity was launched by some of the industry’s leading figures, including AnOther’s senior fashion editor-at-large Nell Kalonji ands fashion news director Olivia Singer. Other collaborators include Virgil Abloh, Kim Jones, Samuel Ross, Martine Rose, Richard Malone, Supriya Lele, Rosh Mahtani, Andre Walker, Campbell Addy, Brianna Capozzi, Hanna Moon, Joshua Woods, Munroe Bergdorf, Adesuwa Aighewi, and Lynette Nylander.
According to Kalonji, the Rubric Initiative has plans to become a powerful force for change. “Having a community, people with more experience who you can call up for advice – without them being worried you’re coming for their job – is vital, both in terms of helping people to progress and building better workplaces,” she explains. “I think everyone deserves that opportunity.”
The Rubric Initiative hopes to make this change in three tangible ways. Firstly, through its Digital Resources, which will include video panels, practical advice, podcasts and group Zoom seminars. Secondly, through its mentoring programmes, which come in the form of six-month, one-to-one sessions. And finally, through financial support, with plans to support living-wage internships and apprenticeships..
“Without making an active effort to encourage and support those who have long been marginalised, the status quo will remain the same. It’s time for change.”