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River Island, Zalando & Christine McGuinness Support London Diversity Event

A panel talk, catwalk show and networking event to promote positive change in the Fashion, Beauty and Media Industries is hitting London next month as celebs and industry leaders unite to celebrate diversity and inclusion on 13th June at Carlton House Terrace, Westminster.

Models of Diversity, led by Angel Sinclair, the charity that has spent over 15 years campaigning for more diversity in the fashion, beauty and media industry, proudly presents ‘Fashioning Change’ in association with River Island and international online retailer, Zalando.

The event will include:

THE PANEL WITH ZALANDO: An exclusive industry-led panel talk discussing why inclusion is the

future of fashion and how we can create lasting change, led by Jenna Garner,  Principle Business Developer, Diversity & Inclusion at Zalando, featuring Author and TV presenter Christine McGuinness. 

They will be joined by Ella Morgan, Married at First Sight’s first ever transgender bride; TV personality, body positivity champion and dancer to Lizzo and John Legend, Queen Mojo;  Adaptive fashion designer Victoria Jenkins of Unhidden, a prominent disability campaigner, who has been recognised by Vogue in their 25 most influential Powerhouse Women; and Author and founder of the psychology of fashion department at the London College of Fashion, Dr Carolyn Mair. 

THE EXHIBITION: Neuro-Proud, an exhibition of images by award winning photographer Amanda Akokhia featuring well-known UK television presenter, model, and social media personality Christine McGuinness to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance for Neurodiversity.

THE CATWALK WITH RIVER ISLAND. Models of Diversity has held inclusive and diverse catwalks during London Fashion week since 2010, with the support of the British Fashion Council. This year, with the support of River Island, the catwalk will be showing unrivalled diversity and representation, featuring popular influencers, models and industry recognised individuals in the most recent fashions from the high street brand.

Ali Bromley (big brother winner), Thomas Atkinson (Big Brother), Ellie Goldstein (a British model with Down’s syndrome who has worked for Gucci, Nike, and been a Vogue cover girl) and Jaxon Feeley (Award winning speaker and trans advocate).  

Jaxon, who is regularly in the press advocating support for the trans community said: “This is such an honour to be a part of this show - run by good people doing good things. When we all come together we can make magic happen, and focus on the joy that can be created by true inclusion”.

Angel Sinclair, CEO of Models of Diversity, is a former model and an activist, who founded Models of Diversity over 16 years ago from her kitchen table after appearing on Gok Wan’s Miss Naked Beauty in 2008.

Angel said: “By purchasing a ticket, you’re supporting Models of Diversity and leading the charge for greater representation in fashion. Together, we can break barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive future.Don’t miss out – join us for an evening of fashion, inspiration, and advocacy! We also have sponsorship opportunities available for brands looking to support inclusivity in fashion”.

Angel added: “Like MOD this event is dedicated to broadening the industry and opening it up to the beautiful people that we don’t often get to see on our Instagram feeds, billboards, TV ads and runways. We believe everybody should see themselves included and have highlighted stereotypes around many underrepresented groups including size, colour, age and ability.”

Angel established Models of Diversity after she was so struck by the great variety of beautiful women participating in Gok’s show and how this image contrasted with the narrow spectrum we see in the fashion industry. She set up MOD as a charity to campaign for more diversity in the fashion, beauty and media industry, promoting talent that reflects the diversity of society and true beauty ideals.

The charity has had some phenomenal successes over the years placing models in Fashion weeks around the world including New York, Milan, Russia and London. Over a decade ago MOD was one of the first to put on a plus size catwalk show, after appearing in the press for campaigning outside the British Fashion Council over unhealthy models being on the catwalk. 

Angel, who continues to play a key part in building confidence and inspiring others,  said: “We were proud to be at the forefront of the body neutrality movement and our billboard campaign for Models with disability created massive publicity in the heart of London. We have run workshops nationally for models with disabilities and have had a significant role in the modelling careers of many workshop attendees including Kelly Knox (Primark) and Jack Eyres (Scope, NY Fashion Week etc).”

“Why should anyone be excluded from the fun and feel-good factor of fashion because they don’t fit outdated beauty standards… we’re on a mission to normalise fashion for all!”

The event runs from 4pm - 10pm. Follow modelsofdiversity on Insta for ticket information.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chocolate PR .