Ralph Lauren and Parity.Org partnered with twenty fashion houses from Paris and New York to explore parity in the fashion industry–resulting in a seminal white paper, Unlocking Gender Parity in Fashion.
Women are underrepresented in fashion.
Many are surprised to learn than there are fewer women CEOs in fashion than in the aerospace or finance industries. Women make up the majority of fashion and retail employees, and make up to 80% of all fashion purchasing decisions–as much as $15 trillion globally. Yet just 12.5% of fashion CEOs are women, and just 26% of fashion Board seats are held by women.
Source: PwC, “Unraveling the Fabric Ceiling", 2019
Every fashion house is unique, with different customers, locations, budgets, resources, and cultures. Some have already made significant progress in their journey to gender parity, while others are just getting started. But the best practices outlined in our white paper can benefit any of them. The paper explores five key areas through which fashion houses can create impact, today.
The fashion industry needs to make a concerted effort to create more pathways for women and create more gender equality at the top, especially since women represent the core customer of our business. We need tangible opportunities for women in their careers and in their lives so that they can continue to flourish and grow.”
Steven Kolb
CEO, CFDA
As an industry, we have a responsibility to accelerate our progress toward a more equitable world – and part of that means taking action to close the gender gap and create environments where individuals can thrive, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity. Our roadmap for gender equality creates a consistent method for collective progress.”
Patrice Louvet
CEO, Ralph Lauren
Removing barriers to and creating opportunities for the advancement of women is an important focus area for PVH as we work to drive fashion forward for good. We’re proud to join our peers to collectively emphasize efforts on achieving and maintaining gender parity. We recognize our responsibility to accelerate this essential work and hold ourselves accountable to create a more inclusive and diverse industry.”
Manny Chirico Chair and CEO, PVH Corp.
Display your support.
Show your commitment to improving gender parity in the fashion industry. Your support will make an impact across the industry, making it a more equitable place for women of all backgrounds and identities. Join the companies below and show your customers, employees, and stakeholders that you are committed to improving the future of fashion.
If you are an executive in a fashion company, click to add your logo indicating your support.