The Enduring Legacy of Bethann Hardison in Fashion
In the early ’90s, a profound gathering took place in Bethann Hardison’s Tribeca office. Prominent Black women from a spectrum of industries convened in a show of solidarity following a distressing event ignored by the media. The collective learning, reminiscent of Black Feminism’s core lessons, emphasized the necessity of mutual support amidst the challenges uniquely faced by Black women.
Pillar of Diversity and Advocacy
Bethann’s storied career is anchored in her unwavering commitment to racial and ethnic diversity within the fashion domain. Teaming up with luminaries like Iman, she spearheaded the Black Girls Coalition in the late ’80s—a pioneering step towards amplifying the voices of Black models striving for recognition in the fashion circuit.
During the ’90s, a time marked by exclusionary casting practices, she boldly entered television production, further advocating for change. In a move that shook the fashion world, Bethann and late Italian Vogue editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani joined forces in 2008 to publish the iconic ‘All Black Issue’. Her unrelenting pursuit of equity culminated in a 2013 open letter that addressed the fashion industry’s power players, calling out systemic racism and the stark underrepresentation of models of color.
The ripples of her candid prose were felt industry-wide, and in 2014, Hardison’s dedication was recognized with the CDFA Eleanor Lambert Founder’s Award. An array of accolades have followed from prestigious organizations like the Black Girls Rock! Awards and the Fashion Institute of Technology, reflecting her influential role in championing diversity.
Education as a Call to Action
Hardison considers education to be her true vocation, focusing her efforts on enlightening the misinformed, rather than solely uplifting the community of Black individuals. With candid humility, she asserts her intentions to reform prejudiced viewpoints, seeking to alter ingrained perceptions and encouraging others to grasp the magnitude of this transformation. Bethann Hardison’s influence stretches beyond the fashion industry’s aesthetic; it is a profound narrative of social change and accountability.
