V&A Talk Program: The Face of Fashion: Model Representation and Diversity in the Work Force

Exploring the urgency of inclusive representation in order to positively shape the future of fashion.

This talk delves into how diverse representation on and off the runway is a vital shift needed towards an inclusive and equitable industry. From casting to leadership, this talk will explore the importance of challenging barriers and creating inclusive spaces.

Moderator:

Veronica D'Souza, Founder & Advisor, Geist Agency

Veronica D'Souza is a trailblazing social entrepreneur and global advisor known for building ventures that challenge inequality through business, design, and storytelling. She co-foundedR uby Cup, which has provided sustainable menstrual health solutions to over 150,000 girls in East Africa, and CARCEL, a fashion label employing incarcerated women in Peru and Thailand to create garments from natural materials. With over 15years of experience across five continents, she brings radical imagination and systems thinking to organizations navigating sustainability, inclusion, and impact. Veronica is the founder of GEIST Agency and serves on the board of The Danish Design Council and The Soulfuls, as well as on the juries of the INDEXAward—the world’s leading prize for design to improve life—and Ars Electronica, a global platform for art, technology, and society. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Forbes, and The Guardian, and she is recognized as an EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year, a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, and a Humanity in Action Senior Fellow.

Panelists:

Daniel Peters, Founder & Managing Director at The Minority Report Group

Launched in July 2020 by brand and marketing specialist, Daniel Peters, the Minority Report Group exists to create inclusive workplace culture for diverse voices, by advancing the conversation around equity and inclusion to a point of measurable change. He has previously held roles at Burberry, the British Fashion Council, Selfridges, Dazed Media and Huawei, but also launched and ran a successful menswear popup retail business, BOBShop, which sold a curated edit of British menswear brands and lifestyle goods.

Aram Ostadian Binai, Founder, Social Entrepreneur, Talent Strategist, Creative Inclusion Advocate at The Soulfuls

Founder & CEO of The Soulfuls, an award-winning platform empowering the next generation of diverse female talent. Social entrepreneur and consultant working at the intersection of inclusion, leadership, and creative industries. Leads programs in mentoring, talent development, and cross-cultural collaboration. Recognised as ELLE Denmark’s Voice of the Year and board member of the Danish Fashion Ethical Charter. Holds an MA from London College of Fashion and executive training from Harvard Business School.

Ceval Omar, Model and Activist

Ceval is a trailblazing model and activist based in Paris, recognized as one of the first Black trans models to collaborate with hi-end brands such as YSL Beauty and British Vogue. Passionate about human rights, she advocates for greater diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry.