| All Walks Beyond the Catwalk is an initiative founded by Caryn Franklin, Debra Bourne and Erin O’Connor working with influential Catwalk designers and top industry creatives to celebrate more diversity within the fashion industry |
Having kicked off a shift in attitude, since our launch at London Fashion Week in Sept 2009 of the SIZE ME UP campaign – where we paired eight emerging designers with 8 diverse models – most notably creating the ‘plus size,’ model Harley Morley and Mark Fast partnership – All Walks Beyond the Catwalk has continued to grow challenging fashion industry dependence on unachievable and unhealthy body ideals via lobbying, press campaigns and empowering undergraduates to change practice within their chosen field. You can see all our activities listed on Timeline.
We also contribute to a variety of parliamentarian campaigns and initiatives on how diversity and the beauty of individuality can make an impact in the wider culture and influence self-esteem and well-being. These initiatives have been chaired by former Govt. Minister for Equalities Lynne Featherstone. MP Caroline Nokes and Jo Swinson, MP current Minister for Equalities.
Our Diversity Network operates from the heart of Edinburgh College of Art and Director Mal Burkinshaw and his enlightened teaching practice has been leading the way in education.
All Walks Beyond the Catwalk is a voluntary organisation that recognises the power the fashion industry has to communicate positive messages to women and men about their bodies and acts. Small steps, big ideas. We are delighted to see that our position is influencing brands as diverse as Lanvin and M&S
Founders Caryn Franklin, Debra Bourne and Erin O’Connor on set with Rankin at London fashion Week for the campaign SNAPPED. Photography by Alistair Guy.