This article features an interview with Madeline Hirsch, founder of the 15 Percent Pledge and Fashion Features Director at InStyle. Hirsch discusses the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses in the fashion and beauty industry, the impact of the pledge on both brands and consumers, and the need for systemic change within the industry.
Madeline Hirsch is the Fashion Features Director at InStyle. She joined the InStyle team in 2022 and has previously held roles at Byrdie, Brides, and Glamour., on Instagram back in the day—I know I did. You've also definitely scrolled past her ethically-made heels on the famous feet of Beyoncé and Bella Hadid. And you might've even spotted the designer herself on magazine covers and in fashion campaigns since starting her footwear empire in 2013.
As it relates to the Target and the Walmart of it all, those are two retailers that very notably never committed to the 15 Percent Pledge. So, it doesn't surprise me. We've really only worked with the people that we felt were doing this for the right reasons and believed in the initiative—not just paying lip service or trying to run ad campaigns.
It's counterintuitive as well. Over the past four years of doing this work at the 15 Percent Pledge, it's become apparent to me that supporting Black businesses, investing in Black businesses, and stocking Black businessesRight! Talent is distributed equally, but opportunity and access is not.
Okay, where did this trend originate? Is there a way that I can support certain communities directly?And think outside of the box. Search for things that are the less obvious option, and understand that the things that are being pushed are probably there because they have paid to be there. We're in an attention economy.
Fashion Diversity & Inclusion MADELEINE HIRSCH 15 PERCENT PLEDGE BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES FASHION INDUSTRY DIVERSITY INCLUSION SMALL BUSINESSES
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