Women In Fashion is a UK based feminist non-profit organization that provides women & men in the fashion industry a platform to discuss issues in order to provoke change. Daisy Walker, photographer and WIF founder, wants to create a space for people in fashion to discuss issues such as diversity, representation of gender, age discrimination, sexism, etc. WIF hosts monthly sessions that are first come first serve with around 15 spots available. Be sure to visit the WIF website https://www.womeninfashion.co.uk to learn more.
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Check out Daisy's Instagram @daisywalker and WIF's Instagram @womennfashion
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO CREATE WIF?
"I felt that though there was conversation happening surrounding feminism online, there didn't exist any real tangible space for safe discussion and communal learning. There also was this secrecy surrounding the fashion industry with no real support system in place to turn to in situations of abuse or misconduct."
DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A FEMINIST? IF SO, IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU FIND YOURSELF EMBRACING THIS LABEL?
"I am whole heartedly a feminist!!!! Feminism by definition means the advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes. I want and deserve full equality, and i believe every single human being should have the right to the same.
Being a feminist to me means being aware of the limitations placed both on women and men by strict social norms and finding ways to combat those. It also means female solidarity. Too long has society pit women against each other; we should be allies, not competitors."
WHO HAS BEEN MOST SUPPORTIVE TO YOU AND YOUR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
"I have been shocked by the positive response from the industry! We have members from Burberry, JW Anderson, Vivienne Westwood, Dazed, Topshop, ASOS, Fantastic Man, Another... there is clearly a real thirst for honesty and transparency surrounding the industry and that comes from the public, as well as the individuals that make up some of the world's most influential brands & publications."
WHAT ACTIONS ARE YOU TAKING TO MAKE WIF A PLATFORM FOR MEN AND WOMEN TO DISCUSS ISSUES IN ORDER TO PROVOKE CHANGE?
"We meet once a month to discuss a given topic with a completely open invite to previous members and any newbies who would like to join! Each month the session is co-hosted by an existing member who can speak from their own experience and open up the theme to the group. As these sessions are entirely safe spaces and confidential we only allow 15 people to attend each month."
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
"Women and men of the past, present and future who have fought oppression and given kindness. Starting WIF has refreshed my senses and reminded me that with education springs allies, and giving springs getting. People like model & activist Fern Bain Smith who is such a beacon of love and hope for the next generation growing up so much more aware than the one before. Emma Allwood, Head of Fashion at Dazed; she is such a constant force of intellect and kindness. Sara McAlpine, An editor at System; her life's aim is purely to connect people and support her friends wherever she can. She is the perfect example of women promoting women. Women in Fashion has become a safe haven for individuals within the fashion industry and as much as the space inspires them, each member constantly inspires me."
WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT AND WHAT'S BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE THING ABOUT RUNNING THIS ORGANIZATION?
"I wouldn't say there really is anything difficult about running WIF, it's endlessly rewarding. But the most enjoyable thing is when a session comes to an end and there is a real sense in the air that something has changed, that the world might be a little different tomorrow for the changes we promised to make together."
DO YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A STEREOTYPE FOR PEOPLE IN FASHION? IF SO, WHAT IS IT AND HOW ARE YOU REBELLING AGAINST IT?
"Certainly there is a stereotype of snobbishness and a certain level of abuse; and i do think both of those do sometimes ring true. But i wanted to create a space where it doesn't matter if you're an editor or an intern; your experience is valued equally, and change can come from the bottom up. I think so far that's very much been the case and just getting people of different levels within the industry around a table with some bottles of wine is naturally an equalizer!"
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS IN 2017? IT CAN BE BUSINESS OR PERSONAL.
"My friendships- I have learnt to rely and accept help from those close to me in a new way and that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength! Ensuring positive mental health is always a success and can only reap positive rewards professionally and personally!"