In a world where diversity and inclusion are becoming core values when it comes to fashion and design, North American designers are leading the way in embracing and contributing to the movement. Through their works, these fashion-forward trailblazers are pushing the boundaries and breaking down old notions of what’s fashionable. By celebrating and showcasing the beauty of all styles, sizes, and hues, these designers are championing a celebrated sense of belonging, something that has been long overdue. From small-scale designers to major brands, North American designers are advocating for inclusivity and representation with their inspiring creations.
1. A New Approach to Design – North American Designers Embracing Diversity & Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion has become an integral part of design in North America. The increasing visibility of marginalized communities has encouraged recognition and acceptance of all people from all backgrounds to become part of the conversation. No longer are designers valuing one aesthetic and one approach over another but rather embracing the idea that everyone’s experience and perspectives can be part of the design process.
- A Fresh Perspective
The stylistic proclivities of North American designers are transitioning with the times, and traditional approaches to design are being questioned and challenged. The present era has brought to the fore designers that are leveraging their unique experience and distinct creative perspectives to create designs that challenge the status quo. This awareness of difference has also spawned a new era of not only custom design, but of products that are meant to suit individual needs.
- Diversity and Inclusion Beyond Race and Gender
Diversity and inclusion is no longer a matter of race and gender, but also one of socio-economic status. North American designers are looking to expand their customer base and reach out to all the people from all corners of the world. Understanding the needs of a much larger group of people is prompting designers to be more inclusive in their approach to design.
- Innovation and Creativity
Diversity and inclusion not only allows for more inclusive products, it also encourages innovation and creativity in design. Increasing the opportunities for collaboration between different groups of people, as well as being open to ideas from a variety of backgrounds, helps foster greater collaboration and innovation in design.
- Engaging Communities
The focus on diversity and inclusion is also leading North American designers to consider not just the end product but the impact the design could have on the community. Designers are increasingly looking to engage with their local communities, understanding the needs, problems, and cultural perspectives before designing. This is helping to create a much more socially conscious and responsible design process that considers not just aesthetic but also the human experience.
2. Celebrating Unique Perspectives in the Design Industry
From the punks with their loud rebellious attitude to the divine sculptors of Japanese minimalism, the design world is full of unique perspectives. It is these unique ideas, visions and values that inspire designers, push them to create outstanding works and build our future.
Unique perspectives should be celebrated and nurtured. For this reason, there are a number of initiatives encouraging diversity in design:
- Industry events featuring underrepresented groups;
- Reaching out to newcomers with design opportunities;
- Celebrating the work of thought-leaders from all kinds of backgrounds;
- Organizing industry-focused mentorship programs.
The industry is ever-evolving and continues to benefit from these unique perspectives. Diversity has helped revolutionize the design world, with new forms of technology, unexpected color palettes and daring concepts that break down barriers and mesmerize people.
Moreover, embracing unique perspectives helps us gain a better understanding of the real-life implications of our designs. From the interaction design of a website or app to the graphic design of an album cover, our designs can be judged by peoples’ realities. Applying these unique perspectives can help you go beyond formalities and deliver an optimized result.
The design industry relies on the unique perspectives of everyone to keep pushing boundaries and developing deeper insights into the world. Celebrating diversity and different viewpoints will continue to drive our designs and create a better tomorrow.
3. How Designers are Promoting Diversity – A Case Study
In the pursuit of promoting diversity amongst the design industry, designers have been finding innovative ways to bring more inclusion and representation into the fold. One example of such an effort comes from graphic designer, Misaki Kawai, who launched an initiative titled “Diverse Designers” in early 2021.
The Initiative
Misaki set out with a mission to create an accessible platform for designers of all backgrounds to share their experiences and further diversify the design landscape. As part of this initiative, she created an online database of black-owned design-related businesses, firms, consultants and freelancers. Additionally, she also created a resource hub for creative professionals of color that includes educational articles, interviews, portfolios, and job postings from diverse designers.
Making Her Impact
Misaki works to ensure that designers of color are invited to be part of the larger creative conversation. She demonstrates her commitment to diversity in the design field by hosting virtual creative workshops with diverse speakers, mentorships, and connecting her growing network of creatives of color with job opportunities and employment.
What Does This Mean for Designers?
Misaki’s initiative provides designers of all backgrounds with access to educational resources, jobs, and creative outlets. It also provides designers with an avenue to collaborate and inspires them to create impactful designs that promote diversity. Misaki helps to cultivate an inclusive design culture that is inclusive of different perspectives, backgrounds, and opinions.
Promoting Inclusivity
Misaki’s mission extends beyond just providing an online platform for designers of color; she also works to make design more accessible to all types of individuals. She has created an online newsletter discussing the importance of diversity in design, promotes organizations that are focusing on empowering marginalized communities, and has become an advocate for inclusivity in the design field.
As designers make increasing efforts to promote diversity, initiatives such as Misaki’s should be met with support and collaboration. By using her platform, designers are able to create a more diverse and inclusive community for everyone to benefit and grow in.
4. Closing the Gap – North American Designers Leading the Way
When it comes to leadership in design, North America is a powerhouse. Long at the forefront of design innovations, North American creators remain a driving force behind new and cutting-edge ideas. As designers rise, so do their followers—which has made for a dramatic shift in the landscape of the industry.
The design industry in North America is showing no signs of slowing down; it is constantly in a state of growth and development. With access to a vast array of resources and a wide range of talent, the region’s designers are able to experiment and push the boundaries of creativity.
For many years, North American designers have been leading the way in the creation of new ideas and styles. Influencers in fashion, interiors, furniture, and architecture have all found success by collaborating to form new styles and set new trends. Not only do these designers continually strive to improve the quality of materials and industry processes, but they also create products that are incredibly stylish and enduring.
In addition to this, North American designers have also been the driving force behind the development of new technology and tools. From interactive digital platforms to on-demand app services, they have helped to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. As a result, these tools and technologies are becoming more advanced and accessible.
Finally, North America’s designers have also been at the forefront of sustainability. Through initiatives such as OFFSET, they have championed the cause of ecological responsibility. By collaborating with brands on the production and manufacturing side, they are helping to reduce waste and emissions, promoting cleaner, healthier processes.
North American designers are leading the charge when it comes to design—and they’re not showing any signs of stopping anytime soon. With their innovative ideas and commitment to sustainability, they are helping to shape the future of the industry.
As the fashion landscape continues to evolve, its encouraging to see thoughtful action being taken by North American Designers to ensure that diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront of the industry. Here’s hoping their efforts will inspire a more diverse and equal fashion world for many generations to come.
