The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has teamed up with fashion giant PVH Corp – owners of brands such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger -- to explore the subject of inclusion and diversity across the US fashion sector. The result is an extensive report dubbed ‘Insider/Outsider' that spans all areas of inclusion and diversity, such as abilities, age, gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.

According to a questionnaire conducted as part of the research, 41 per cent of executive-level employees at fashion companies rated their organisation three out of a possible five in terms of the diversity (difference) within their organisation. However, 56 percent had taken a professional class or workshop related to I&D in the workplace in the past.

The CFDA and PVH have pledged to focus efforts on making the US fashion industry a more inclusive and diverse sector, concluding: In 2019, the CFDA will continue the work we have been doing in the area of Inclusion and Diversity. The focus of the work will be on Peer-to-Peer Mentorship, Business Networking Opportunities, Educational Programming and Leadership Skillset Training. PVH will enhance its education and awareness programs, as well as amplifying its I&D Councils and Business Resource Groups. The organisation will continue to collaborate with external partners to help foster a collectively inclusive and diverse environment in our own workplace and across the industry.