Bridal Designers Reflect A More Inclusive P.O.V.
Written by Myrdith Leon-McCormack
“An Artist’s duty, as far as I am concerned, is to reflect the times...” Nina Simone
Those were the words spoken by the illustrious Nina Simone well over 50 years ago in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement.
She continued by saying, “I choose to reflect the times and situations in which I found myself. So I don't think you have a choice. How can you be an artist and not reflect the times? That to me is the definition of an artist.”
We too are living in times when these words ring true.
We are living in a time where we are challenged by pandemics like COVID-19, racial tension, a declining economy, and we are in the middle of an election that is like nothing we’ve ever seen before. All of these challenges have impacted our industry.
There are quite a few designers who are reflecting a positive and necessary change to be more inclusive. These forward-thinking companies heard the cry and the words that were spoken (or unspoken) and allowed their sense of humanity to lead them. During this market, it was these designers who took the risk to include Black, Latinx and Asian women in their presentations.
When COVID-19 first crossed our borders it did more than cause sickness and death. It revealed the cracks in our society that impact our economy and force us to see the racial divide that went unaddressed for far too long.
Bridal industry leaders such as Amsale, Anne Barge, Ines Di Santo, Justin Alexander, Kelly Faetanini, Kosibah, Lea-Ann Belter, Marchesa, Naeem Khan, Romona Keveza, Theia, Van Der Velde and Yolancris were among the designers who showed Black, Latinx and Asian women to demonstrate awareness of and empathy toward inclusiveness. Rest assured, the brides to be and their families also saw it. Bravo. This is not just a message to acknowledge inclusivity as a “thing,” but it is a simple reminder that it is smart business to be inclusive.
The collections continue to mesmerize the audience with the brilliance of the designs each year. But this season it had more meaning to so many for so many reasons. The virtual shows’ designs drew parallels to the brides who were forced to have smaller soirees due to social distancing rules put in place. But the quality of the garments was definitely not compromised.
We love the creativity each designer displayed when showing their collection. Each brand remained true to its esthetics with elegance, polish, and craftsmanship.
The power of collaboration and unity during market was what our industry currently needs because in a time of Cancel Culture, when school and religious services are cancelled, when live events worldwide are all canceled, love is not canceled.
