TEDxStudio: Victoria Jenkins on adaptable fashion | Victoria Jenkins | TEDxGreekStStudio | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

CEO and founder of unhidden discusses the struggle to secure financing for adaptive clothing and the importance of inclusivity in the fashion industry.

Key Insights

• 😀 The adaptive fashion industry faces challenges due to its newness and limited availability of brands.
• ❓ Inclusive fashion can be achieved by collaborating with adaptive designers and employing disabled models and employees.
• 😥 Retailers need to invest in accessible price points and prioritize inclusivity in both digital and real-world spaces.
• 💗 Inclusivity is not only the right thing to do morally but also makes financial sense as a growing number of consumers prioritize brands that champion diversity.
• 🍉 Technology, such as AI, has the potential to further enhance inclusivity, although there are challenges in terms of language and access.
• 😀 The cost of assisted technology can be a barrier for disabled individuals, as they are already more likely to face financial challenges.
• 👨‍💼 Constant work and a multi-pronged approach are necessary to achieve true inclusivity in business and society.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it challenging to secure financing for adaptable clothing?

The adaptive fashion industry is still new and lacks comparative data, making it a risky investment for retailers. Additionally, biases against women and disabled entrepreneurs further complicate financing efforts.

Q: How can mainstream fashion be more inclusive and fashion-forward?

Retailers should collaborate with adaptive designers who have the knowledge and expertise to create truly inclusive clothing. They should also focus on digital and real-world inclusivity by working with disabled models, employing disabled individuals, and showcasing their commitment to accessibility.

Q: How can retailers ensure a consistent approach to inclusivity?

Retailers need to be committed to inclusivity for the long term and avoid tokenistic gestures. This means consistently offering inclusive options across seasons and prioritizing inclusion in hiring practices and communication strategies.

Q: What is the potential financial benefit of inclusivity in the fashion industry?

Studies show that consumers are more likely to be loyal to brands that prioritize inclusivity. With 15% of consumers having disabilities and 73% having a touchpoint with disability, catering to this market can lead to increased profitability.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• CEO Victoria Jenkins explains that the lack of comparative data and limited number of brands in the adaptive fashion space make it difficult to secure financing.

• Mainstream fashion can become more inclusive by working with adaptive designers and engaging with disabled models and employees.

• Retailers need to invest in accessible price points and focus on digital and real-world inclusivity.