Jul 14, 2021
If any industry is built with a glass ceiling, it is the Fashion Industry. In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, my guest Sophia Batson, Founder and Publisher of ORCHID MAGAZINE, shares why she decided to launch a high fashion publication with a focus on women of color. We discuss the many snafus (i.e., most recently Gucci and H&M), and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that support her decision to feature editorials mainly featuring women of color and articles on ethnic designers globally, as well as ensuring that the production teams and professionals hired to develop the fashion content are from diverse backgrounds. She stresses, however, that nobody is excluded. Born in London, raised in Jamaica, and currently living in New York, Sophia has extensive international experience as a Stylist and Fashion consultant and a unique lens. The next editorial section she’s developing is going to focus on social justice issues of particular concern to people of color that can also serve as an educational platform for others on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Competency in the Fashion industry. Bravo to Sophia for taking it upon herself to break a glass ceiling.