Edward Enninful and Naomi Campbell have spoken out together just days after the announcement that legendary stylist and former i-D fashion director has been recognized by the Queen with an OBE for services to diversity in the fashion industry.
The two black British titans of fashion have both played vital roles in bringing more diversity into the industry. In a joint interview with TIME, they have spoken about what more needs to be done.
“If you put one [non white] model in a show or in an ad campaign, that doesn’t solve the problem,” Enninful says, explaining that, “We need teachers in universities, we need internships, we need people of different ethnic backgrounds in all parts of the industry. That really is the solution, you have to change it from the inside.”
“For me, it never stops,” Campbell adds. “It’s not a fight, it’s a conversation — constantly reminding people that diversity is beautiful and that there should be diversity and equal opportunity. It never stops because you say it and they say that they listen, and it seems to take two steps backwards.”
Speaking about her more than 30 years in the industry, Campbell says, “The respect from the people in the industry that matter is important to me and I do think I have that. No one can take that away from me. Nothing’s ever come easy to me and nothing ever will and that’s okay. I’m used to that. I go with the challenges. I roll with the punches. We’re survivors.”
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Text Charlotte Gush
Image via Instagram