Latest news with #Inclusivity
Grazia USA
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Telfar Returns to the Runway on Juneteenth — & the Moment Couldn't Be More Powerful
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 07: Designer Telfar Clemens walks the runway at the Telfar Fall/Winter 2019 Collection on February 8, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by) After nearly five years away from the catwalk, Telfar is making its long-anticipated return to the runway — and the brand has chosen Juneteenth weekend for its moment. The move isn't just symbolic; it's strategic, timely, and deeply resonant for a label that has built its name by flipping the script on what luxury fashion looks like — and who it's for. While the exact date and location have not yet been confirmed, the timing aligns with Paris Men's Fashion Week this June, fueling speculation about an international stage. Regardless of where the show lands, the event will be livestreamed globally via the brand's 24-hour public access channel. As always, accessibility isn't an afterthought for Telfar — it's the foundation. Why Juneteenth Matters for This Moment Celebrated annually on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, it's a day of reflection, joy, resilience — and now, a moment Telfar has chosen to return to the public eye. For a brand whose DNA is deeply rooted in Black identity, inclusivity, and anti-establishment values, this timing couldn't be more fitting. Telfar's approach has never been about spectacle for the sake of it — it's about meaning, community, and making space. A Juneteenth show isn't just a date on the calendar; it's a cultural declaration. The Brand That Redefined 'It' Bags and Rewrote Fashion's Rules Founded in 2005 by Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens, the label burst into mainstream consciousness with its now-iconic Shopping Bag — a unisex, vegan-leather tote that became one of the most sought-after accessories of the decade. Nicknamed the 'Bushwick Birkin,' the bag's meteoric rise spoke to the hunger for luxury that wasn't exclusionary. PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 28: A guest wears a blue shiny Telfar bag, outside Christopher Esber, during the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by) Telfar has always stood by the mantra: 'Not for you — for everyone.' From its genderless collections to its 'drop' release model designed to thwart bots and resellers, the brand has challenged the gatekeeping norms of high fashion at every turn. An Open Call — and an Open Door In the lead-up to the show, Telfar invited fans to participate through an open casting call at the NYC flagship store. Announced via a cheeky Instagram video parodying America's Next Top Model , the initiative drew long lines of hopefuls, all vying for the chance to walk in the show. It wasn't just a casting, but instead, it was a celebration of the community Telfar has built. The casting further underscores Telfar's inclusive ethos, blurring the line between customer and model, insider and outsider. Everyone is welcome. Everyone gets a seat — or, in this case, a shot at the runway. A Platform for the People For those unable to attend in person, will stream the show live, ensuring that the moment reaches a global audience without the velvet rope. The platform, launched in 2021, reflects Telfar's continued push toward democratizing fashion media, creating a hybrid space that merges livestreams, brand storytelling, and experimental content. In a time when other brands are doubling down on exclusivity, Telfar is doing the opposite: widening the lens and opening the door. What This Means for Fashion — And the Future Telfar's Juneteenth runway return isn't just a comeback, it's a reset. As the industry continues to grapple with issues of inclusivity, accessibility, and systemic change, Telfar reminds us that fashion can be both powerful and purposeful. It can reflect the world we live in — not just the few who traditionally had access to it. In choosing Juneteenth as its comeback moment, Telfar isn't just staging a fashion show. It's reclaiming the runway as a space of freedom, visibility, and radical joy. Watch it live on this Juneteenth weekend — and witness a brand continuing to change fashion, from the ground up.
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Suffolk Pride fringe festival returns with a roller-disco
A Pride festival will host four weeks of events this June including a vigil, poetry performances and a Pride 2025 is billed as a month-long fringe festival rather than a single day of activities or a Lankester, the group's press officer, said: "Suffolk Pride is passionate about providing safe spaces for the local LGBTQIA+ community. "We work in collaboration with local businesses, organisations, and charities to foster the inclusivity and diversity that makes our county unique, and to improve overall wellbeing for queer people." The fringe starts with Pride Blooms on Saturday, 31 May at 19:00 BST on the Cornhill where people are asked to bring flowers to "remember those in our community who are no longer with us, who came before us and who paved the way".It will be followed by a march through town. Other events include:In-person board gamingPride Roller-DiscoPoetry and spoken word nightA youth takeoverA wellbeing walkThe full programme is here. Another event is a Queer Life Drawing session on Sunday, 15 June at Chip Studios in is run by the Liminal Gaze Collective who host monthly "untutored and non-hierarchical" Alex said: "Pride is a celebration of our diversity, our strength and resilience."To have Pride is to recognise the struggles of the past and to stand in the present shoulder to shoulder with those of us who are still struggling, and to dream of a future where every member of our community is liberated."Creative community spaces offer us a chance to trial possible futures and establish safer spaces where everyone is welcome to dream, create, learn and connect."In these spaces we can be our authentic selves, inspire and encourage others in our community, share knowledge, resources and make lasting friendships." Earlier this year the UK Supreme Court ruled that under the Equality Act, "woman" means a biological the ruling, trans people have spoken about their fears over how it might affect their legal rights and access to facilities, along with concerns that it may have emboldened those in society with transphobic arts organisations in Suffolk, including the New Wolsey Theatre, have since posted public statements affirming their support for trans artistic director Douglas Rintoul said: "As a theatre rooted in its community, we are committed to being a welcoming and inclusive space for all. "We are particularly mindful of the trans community in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, and we want to reaffirm our unwavering support." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Accessibility flag raised at Essex County building to mark National AccessAbility Week
A locally designed accessibility flag was raised Monday at the Essex County administration building to mark the beginning of National AccessAbility Week. The flag features the word 'Accessibility' beneath a stylized figure in a wheelchair facing right, with seven chevrons pointing in the same direction — representing the county's seven local municipalities moving forward together on accessibility. 'We are raising this flag to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in our region,' said Essex County Warden Hilda MacDonald, who is also mayor of Leamington. 'It acknowledges that we've made much progress but still have considerable work to do.' Accessibility flag Accessibility flag raising in Essex County, Ont., on Monday May 26, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) MacDonald praised the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee for its efforts, including the launch of the inaugural Accessibility Fest-for-All event last year in Colchester. The festival is returning this fall, on Sept. 12, at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg. 'Fest-for-All is an incredible event that brings accessibility advocates and organizations together in common cause,' MacDonald said. 'It's an opportunity to learn and inspire, and a chance to connect communities and champion inclusivity.' Dennis Sanson, chair of the accessibility committee, said the county wasn't just raising a flag Monday — but raising awareness. 'Any kind of visibility, any kind of public event — especially in the age of incessant media — it's an important part of what we do,' Sanson said. Flag raising Accessibility flag raising in Essex County, Ont., on Monday May 26, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) Sanson encouraged Essex-Windsor residents to take part in Red Shirt Day of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion on Wednesday by wearing red and sharing photos using the hashtags #RedShirtDay and #RedForAccessAbility. He noted the committee's ongoing work, particularly in the areas of barrier-free building and outdoor inclusion — from accessible trails to better fishing and hunting access for people with disabilities. 'There are still lots of opportunities to engage different parts of the community,' he said. 'It's been interesting to see more people come forward who want to help build those connections — especially in outdoor recreation.' Sanson said the flag-raising was also a chance to connect with the public, away from screens. 'It's an opportunity for people to come together and take time out of the work schedule. person to person, as opposed to of seeing something that's online,' he said. 'Every time we host something like this, I meet new potential partners.' Sanson explained, 'It's an opportunity for us to make accessibility more accessible.' Sanson gave the region's accessibility efforts a 'B+ and moving right along,' praising the work of his committee colleagues, including Vice-Chair Debbie Alexander, Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kimberly DeYong, Julie Miles, Rachel Jewell, Diana Kirkbride and Sherrie Currie. MacDonald said it's important municipalities recognize and act on the need for more inclusive communities — particularly as populations age and accessibility needs grow. 'We want everyone to feel that they're welcome and included,' she said. 'To be aware of barriers and to do something about them — I think it's incumbent on us.' MacDonald also acknowledged recent discussions around flag-raising policies in neighbouring Windsor. The city is reviewing its current process amid debate over which flags should be flown at city hall. 'In the Municipality of Leamington we've always had a policy where we've limited the flags to certain ones, and here at the county, same thing,' she said. 'We do upper levels of government, we do Indigenous flags, we do the Pride flag and we do the accessibility flag. Those decisions were made by administration. They were not political decisions, and I think that has served us well.' While flag policies vary across jurisdictions, MacDonald said consistency helps municipalities avoid controversy and remain focused on messages of unity. 'There's always that fear of not being inclusive, and yet sometimes certain flags create controversy in our community. So perhaps it's just best not to have too wide of a policy that you get into trouble.' The Accessibility Fest-for-All event is free for individuals, organizations and accessibility-minded businesses to attend or participate in. Those interested must fill out an online registration form by June 5 at
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Inclusivity and sustainability must anchor Asean's future
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The principles of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' the theme of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship this year, must be embedded at the very heart of the regional bloc's agenda and vision, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his opening remarks at the 46th Asean Summit, here today, he said the theme is a strategic and value-driven proposition. 'It speaks not only to our aspirations, but to our obligations. It is anchored in the conviction that Asean's future must rest on the twin pillars of equitable, sustainable growth and enduring resilience,' he said. Anwar also expressed his appreciation for the support of all Asean leaders in ensuring that Malaysia's Chairmanship advances the Asean Community Vision 2045, which will be launched today. Heads of state and government that were present were Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Also present were Timor Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao as observer, and Asean's Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. This year marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing the regional bloc, having previously held the Asean chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements, namely the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, will also be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation. — Bernama
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar says satisfied with preparations ahead of 46th ASEAN Summit in KL
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed satisfaction over the thorough preparations and coordinated efforts by various ministries and agencies to ensure the success of the 46th ASEAN Summit slated to take place in the capital today onwards. Speaking to reporters last night, Anwar said he deeply appreciated the sacrifices made by officials who have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the summit. He said this includes logistical preparations undertaken by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, and the security forces. 'I'm satisfied and may everything proceed well. On the substantive side, we have tried to address all issues, especially since this is more complex with ASEAN, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China all involved,' he said after spending over an hour at the ASEAN Pre-Council Meeting tonight. The meeting was convened to coordinate the agenda ahead of the ASEAN Summit, which officially begins tomorrow. Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh; and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azhar Abbas. The 46th ASEAN Summit and its related meetings, held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', will bring together Southeast Asian leaders for high-level discussions focused on regional cooperation, economic integration, and geopolitical stability. It will see participation from the heads of government of all ASEAN member states, except Myanmar, with Timor-Leste attending as an observer. Proceedings will begin with the 46th ASEAN Summit Plenary, chaired by Anwar, where leaders are expected to deliberate on a range of key regional issues, including trade and investment, maritime security, climate change, and the digital economy. This year marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing the regional bloc, having previously held the ASEAN chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements, namely the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, will also be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation. — Bernama
