Looking Back on 2024

As we close the chapter on 2024, we take a moment to reflect on the core of Fashion Minority Report’s mission: fostering diversity and representation in the fashion industry. This year has been a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, with our achievements made possible through the unwavering support of our community, partners, and dedicated team members. Together, we’ve worked to champion inclusivity, challenge industry norms, and create meaningful opportunities for diverse talent.

Highlights and Reflections on 2024

This year has been one of remarkable milestones and impactful initiatives. Among the highlights was the Scale UP programme, which provided participants with invaluable mentorship and resources to advance their careers. Workshops and the highly successful Careers Day opened doors for emerging talent, equipping them with the skills and connections necessary to thrive in the industry, featuring professionals from Dweet and All Saints, as well as inspiring talks from the likes of Bianca Saunders. Our key mentoring scheme has also successfully led to internships with the likes of ASOS and Fred Perry, further underscoring the tangible impact of our efforts.

Jonathan, a mentee from the last mentorship programme reflected, “During my FMR journey, my most significant and valuable moments were the studio visit opportunities offered by Fred Perry and All Saints. These enriching experiences allowed a better understanding of the operational side of a brand, how valuable each contribution from various departments can streamline a project. I also had a brilliant mentor, Pyam, who offered his expertise which he tailored to my needs. He taught me a lot about the simplicity and effective communication of branding. He also put me in contact with Fred Perry’s outerwear designer and strategic project manager who both expanded my horizon on multiple disciplines.”

Acknowledging Challenges and Opportunities

While we celebrate these successes, we also acknowledge the persistent challenges in driving diversity initiatives forward. Change is a continuous journey, and this year has reinforced the importance of resilience, sustained advocacy, and collective effort to address systemic barriers. Our report completed in collaboration with the British Fashion Council and The Outsiders Perspective revealed that half of the people working in fashion do not believe DE&I is a priority to their leaders, and 64 per cent of people do not believe their company allocates sufficient resources to DE&I. Additionally, a new report commissioned by the Design & Artists Copyright Society (DACS), which surveyed over 1,200 visual artists, found that the median income for visual artists stands at a mere £12,500 annually—a staggering 40 per cent less than it was in 2010. Statistics like these highlight the broader systemic issues within the creative industries, and though the picture painted is stark, it should also embolden our actions to continue to make change. 

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we look to the horizon of 2025, our plans are both ambitious and exciting. We aim to expand our existing programmes, further developing the Scale UP initiative and enhancing the reach of our workshops. A significant focus will be the launch of the much-anticipated Summit in March 2025, a platform designed to deepen our impact and foster critical conversations that will shape the future of diversity across all industries.

Reflecting on the year, our Founder Daniel Peters shared, “As with every year, I feel that our biggest achievement is in knowing that we’ve helped people on their career journey, or simply helped to unlock an opportunity that may not have been there without FMR. At a time when resources are limited or being stripped back, I’m excited to go into 2025 knowing that we have a lot more to do to continue to support people in the fashion industry and creative sector, and I hope that we can increase the numbers of people we help and the ways in which we help them.”

We invite our broader community to join us in this journey. Whether it’s signing up for our mailing list, following us on social media, or participating in upcoming events, every action contributes to our shared vision of a more inclusive industry. To our supporters, your belief in our mission has driven real progress. As we move into 2025, we remain focused on implementing meaningful change. Together, we will continue to challenge the status quo, expand our reach, and build an industry that prioritises equity and representation. Let’s keep pushing forward.