MANUEL MENDEZ ON IDENTIFYING AND ELIMINATING BARRIERS

© SARAH KJELLEREN

“Equity for people of color in every aspect of the industry is deeply needed. There isn’t fair treatment and there isn’t enough kindness and understanding toward people of varying backgrounds and cultures. An increase in diversity and inclusion across the industry would presumably offer more people of different backgrounds more opportunities to succeed. We must identify, then eliminate the barriers to entry that have prevented certain groups from fully participating in the industry—at all levels.

I’ve noticed, sometimes, gatekeepers (not all, but some) reach the top of the mountain and instead of looking back and offering a helping hand to their brother or sister next in line, they continue going on their own. It shouldn’t be a ‘silver spoon’ per se, but stop and consider for a second: ‘I made it to the top, let me be thankful. Why and how did I make it to the top? The hard work I’ve put in, yes, and because of the power, strength and the determination I have. But we as humans—we sometimes forget—we all stand on each other’s shoulders to get higher. It’s like an invisible ladder we’re all standing on. Maybe I also got here also because of the brother or the sister behind pushed me so I could grasp the last grip I needed…’

Rome wasn’t built in a day. You can’t win a battle alone. The specific action is to look back and lift one another. Times have changed and it’s important that we all create diverse groups in fashion, and teach the newer generations coming up how to respect and unite.

—Manuel Mendez, Blue Ivy Carter’s Stylist and former P.A to Beyoncé