During his first trip back to New York since before the pandemic hit, Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing joined a panel of fashion leaders championing diversity in the industry for a talk hosted by the Parsons School of Design's Gromek Institute on May 12th, 2022: “Fashion’s Diversity: Where it Stands, Where it Stalls, Where it’s Going”.

Indeed, it is a long road out from exclusion to welcoming for faces and voices to fashion’s table and, while the industry has made some important strides, there’s a tendency to see diversity as a trend that, once it’s gained enough attention, it’s time to move on to the next. But inclusion must be here to stay for the industry to sustain itself. This panel endeavors to continue the conversation that mustn't fade from focus.

Moderators:

Tara Donaldson, Executive Editor, WWD

Abrima Erwiah, Director, Gromek Institute at Parsons

Panelists: Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director, Balmain

Brandice Daniel, CEO & Founder, Harlem’s Fashion Row and Icon 360

Victor Glemaud, Creative Director & Founder, In The Blk