We live in a moment in history in which the discourse of the new generations is changing radically; Today, concepts such as “empathy”, “inclusion”, “diversity”, among others, have taken on a different meaning, a fact promoted by young people -women and men- who bring with them a new integrated chip.
For brands, it is also a good “pretext” to join social causes that are of the utmost importance. In fact, a McKinsey study revealed that companies with inclusive teams are able to become up to 25 percent more profitable.
Based on this premise, progress towards gender equality continues to be an urgent and necessary issue, despite the fact that improvements have been made in this area. Karla Martínez de Salas is definitely one of the leaders who have set the tone for many women to follow, positioning herself as Head of Content for Vogue México y Latinoamérica, a space that she takes advantage of to raise her voice, in which she puts issues in red focus. of great interest not only for its readers, but for the industry in general.
Market2.0 – How has the fashion industry changed its discourse in the face of recent inclusion, diversity and gender equality?
Karla Martinez: At the 2021 Fashion Week, a very significant change was already seen in terms of what the models were like. Already in 2016 I had to see five plus size models in a fashion show and I thought “something is happening”. Today, when I go to a fashion show in Paris and see the traditional stereotype of models, it already makes me uncomfortable and that for me means that there has been an important change. Brands need to have local ambassadors and speak directly to their audience.
Market2.0 – What is needed in the industry to move even further in terms of diversity and inclusion?
km: In principle, it is necessary to learn to change the dialogue, starting with us. We need events that manage to inspire women to undertake and that are of great contribution to the country’s own GDP. On the other hand, it is necessary to give value to the woman who works and is the mother of a family, we must eliminate comments that do not contribute anything and be an inspiration to other women.
Market2.0 – How was the work of Vogue Mexico with Yalitza Aparicio?
km: Yes, there was a before and after of the cover with Yalitza, for me, for Vogue and for the fashion and beauty industry in Mexico. We were the first Vogue to put an indigenous woman on the cover and it had an impact around the world, and it’s something that still gives me a lot of emotion because we did make a change. After that cover, we feel committed to changing the discourse of what is fashion in Mexico.