Fashion can indeed be inclusive, as demonstrated by the recent "Hands In Fashion" event in Rome, hosted by the Fashion Minority Alliance (FMA) in collaboration with Black&White. This inspiring workshop, part of FMA's PVH 2024 Commitment #9 program, brought together 42 high school students from diverse Italian ethnic communities, including Peru, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mali, Korea, Morocco, Iraq, and Italy.

The event was held at the luxurious Rocco Forte Hotel de la Ville, located in the historic heart of Rome. This beautiful setting provided a backdrop for a morning filled with creativity and learning, as students crafted leather accessories using kits from Nosakhari's sustainable brand, Artisans.

Guests of honour included two of the fashion industry's most influential figures in design and inclusivity: award-winning Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean and Celia Sears, founder of the leading backstage talent agency, Show Division. Their presence underscored the event's focus on celebrating diversity and promoting change within the fashion industry.

Throughout the workshop, students explored the fundamentals of leather crafting, transforming leather waste into unique accessories. This hands-on experience not only highlighted the importance of sustainability but also encouraged a deeper connection to the art of making.

The "Hands In Fashion" event in Rome exemplifies how fashion can be a powerful tool for inclusion and education. By engaging young people from diverse backgrounds in the creative process, FMA and Artisans are fostering a more inclusive future for the fashion industry.

We are honoured to have been a part of this event and look forward to continuing our support for initiatives that promote sustainability, creativity, and inclusivity

Find out more about all the great things the Fashion Minority Alliance are doing - www.fashionminorityalliance.com

Find out more about all the great things B&W Black and White are doing - www.bwblackwhite.org