Instilling Diversity Means Focusing On Nuances

It’s An Ongoing Effort That Shifts And Grows Over Time.

- Michelle Lee

I’ve spoken at dozens of events about diversity, inclusion and representation in the past three years. How far we’ve come! We’re all quite proud of ourselves.

I’ve certainly felt it myself. Allure won Adweek’s Magazine of the Year in 2017, in large part because of the diverse subjects on our covers, ranging from Somali-American model Halima Aden in a Nike hijab with the line “This is American beauty now” to 72-year-old Helen Mirren as we proudly announced that Allure was banning the term “anti-aging” forever. I recognize that much of our success has revolved around the diversity discussion. The more I learn, though, the more I realize how far we have to go.

There has been progress, a palpable sea change in media, Hollywood, beauty, fashion and advertising. But I’m worried that the mood in many corners about diversity has become prematurely self-congratulatory.