As if wanting a more just and equal society isn't reason enough, studies have repeatedly shown that companies with a diverse workforce perform better; that the representation we see on our screens falls short, and that inclusivity makes us more creative people.

In recent years, the fashion industry has begun to crack down on the lack of diversity, albeit with more emphasis in front of the camera than behind it. In addition, the measures that are taken ahead are not enough: it is not being diverse in all senses of the word. And more progress is being made in the world of women's fashion than in men's, which reinforces the argument that mixed collections or gender-neutral clothing are needed.

“The industry has come a long way, and you have to admit they've admitted the problem and are making an effort to change,” says London-based casting director Troy Fearn, who counts Gucci, Moncler and Botter among his clients. “And while it's great that most modeling agencies now represent women of all sizes, it's not the same for male models. Diversity and representation go beyond skin color. From now on, I would like to see the door open to everyone, regardless of their gender, their size, their race, if they have a disability… To everyone.”

@davidnwelton @atmendez @kimmaicutler There's a lot of virtue signaling about spending, but not a lot of creative t… https://t.co/4ihKBGM6Ac

— Laura Foote 🌇 Wed Jul 01 17:51:44 +0000 2020

As the men's season is overlapping with the women's prêt-à-porter season, mainly due to logistical complications arising from the pandemic, we have interviewed six male models who tell us about their experiences and the measures they would like to see taken in the world of fashion to achieve real diversity.

Haatepah Clearbear

Haatepah Clearbear lives in Los Angeles and is a descendant of the Kumiai and Chichimeca-Guamare tribes on what is now the Mexico-California border. At 23 years old, she uses the platform offered by her work as a model (she works with Nike, Missoni and Apple) to raise public awareness about the rights of the indigenous population and environmental problems. Plus, her TikTok videos of her are authentic short-form Native American history lessons.