Imagine what it would feel like to be on mute constantly and permanently? Not only through Zoom or the digital world but also offline and in your professional career. This, many times, is the reality of individuals with disabilities.

As advocates, it is our responsibility to ask these questions to leaders in our communities because they have the power to make a difference faster than anyone else. Imagine if business leaders and CEOs would prioritize diversity and disability inclusion as much as they prioritize their company’s reputation and image. We constantly see backlash when companies come out as insensitive with their statements and campaigns, given that they see diversity and inclusion as a tick-box exercise.

Inclusion brings uniqueness, difference, and creativity to the table and we must be comfortable with this change. Leaders must shift their focus on creating spaces and work cultures that make people feel that they belong to something bigger than themselves. A culture and environment that encourages individuals to have uncomfortable conversations, shed light on underrepresented groups and bring the lens of difference to a team. Diversity and inclusion are as important as any other goal for an organization and we must hold our leaders accountable.  

With this in mind, we wanted to share The Valuable 500 program founded by Caroline Casey. At DiversityStyling we want to encourage leaders to join the revolution towards making the world a more welcoming place and this is a great start for anyone looking where to. Recently PRADA and BURBERRY joined this program and we are looking forward to seeing more fashion brands join!

What is The Valuable 500? 

As stated on their platforms, “The Valuable 500 is the global CEO community revolutionizing disability inclusion through business leadership and opportunity.” This means that CEOs and leaders are invited to join this movement to help them keep their organizations accountable for diversity and inclusion, as this is an ongoing topic that needs to be evaluated and addressed.

How is this accomplished?

When CEOs join this global movement, they compromise to put disability on the leadership agenda. This is extremely important because as mentioned earlier, disability and inclusion are not tick-box exercises. They must plan, follow up their words with actions, and be role models for other leaders starting their careers. The Value 500 gives flexibility to each organization on how they want to take action and provides a list of suggestions if needed!

Why should this matter?

In the world, there are over 1.3 billion people with disabilities. This is not just a “demographic.” This is the largest minority group with 20% of the world’s population. People with disabilities together with their friends and family have a spending power of $8 trillion. Without appealing to this group, we are not only limiting the fulfillment of people with disabilities but also missing out on a minority that can contribute significantly to the growth of our economy. It is extremely important for organizations to be inclusive from within so that people with disabilities can be part of the workforce to share their experience and strengths within their organizations. 

Why should you apply?

The Valuable 500 community has a goal of reaching 500 CEO signatures. So far, they have 425 signatures. They are so close to achieving their goal and this is exciting for our society because leaders will be able to develop leadership skills to prioritize disability inclusion and diversity within their organizations! 

How do you apply?

Visit their website: https://www.thevaluable500.com/ to register your interest. You will have to provide your full name, company name, position, and company email! 

We hope you take the time to read this carefully and consider applying if you are part of an organization that should prioritize diversity and inclusion more often! The CEO will have to certify the interest to join the program, but anyone in the company can suggest this. If you believe this will make a change in your workplace, make sure you share The Valuable 500 in your next meeting and encourage your leaders to join this movement! Together we can make a change, no matter how small or big the steps are!

Partecipa ai nostri workshop personalizzati per i professionisti e le professioniste del settore retail desiderosi di apprendere le strategie vincenti della consulenza di immagine e dell’armocromia al fine di incrementare le vendite e migliorare la fedeltà dei clienti e delle clienti.
Scopri di più su come potenziare il tuo business con noi!

Have you ever wondered how would it be if you could just communicate with a blink of an eye: something like… blink twice for yes and once for no and… what …3 times for maybe and 123056957-458797-463464-363866796 for I want a pizza?

(I’m Italian, that was the first thing that came to my mind!)

Well… quite discouraging and absurd. This is how deaf or hard of hearing people might feel since the obligation of wearing a mask: a complete barrier, for all those who rely on lip-reading to communicate with each other. Did you know 5% of population is deaf or hard of hearing?

I might be late with this post but, considering what I found around, there are still people who will benefit from this and companies are in time to develop a useful, inclusive business.

It is, though, not only for deafs or hard of hearing people, it is for their care-givers, their interpreters, people in grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, post offices, shops and any, at least basic, business somebody might refer to.

But let’s be honest: do we really like just eye blinks? I mean, it could be romantic (lots of mascara and brow design happening up there!) but… we are all so in need of smiles lately that covering them is just an attack to our wellbeing – and I am saying this in my full ability to hear. If people like me are reassured by simple facial expressions, how fundamental can it be for all those whose main way of communicating with one another, is by visual cues like lip-reading?

Lack of communication and difficulty in interaction can lead to isolation, frustration and anxiety.

Fortunately, individuals like a university student you have probably read about, Ashley Lawrence started home-making them for free and due to the great demand she opened a crowdfunding page: she’s now met her goal  and decided to share how to make them at home for each to benefit its own community.

If you are looking for a see-through masks have a look at:

ClearMask with a tagline that says it all: see the person, not the mask!

Lashfullee on Etsy Relenticity on Etsy

FACEMASKSrUS on EtsyAngel’sGrace moda Inclusiva from Brazil

Royal Woluwe Institute in Brussels in Belgium

Imama and Faizah from IndonesiaDropMask from Italy

Roncato from ItalyLa Rosa Dei Venti from Italy

Divani Santambrogio from Italy

Federica founder of Perchè io Segno from Italy

Invisi-mask from Italy

DIENPI from Italy

Gogo Graham: The Brooklyn based designer has been features among the likes of Women’s History Museum and RuPaul. She has been an emerging name in the fashion industry for over five years now creating beautiful piece for transwoman. Graham has long since been a sustainable designer, pioneering this idea well before most of the large fashion houses.

 Website: https://www.gogograham.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gogograham/?hl=en

No Sesso: Founded by Pierre Davis in 2015 this fashion brand is the first to be founded by a trans person. The brand is based in LA and its name translates from “no sesso” in Italian to “no sex/gender”. This brand challenges the gender norms of fashion and pushes many creative boundaries. They “A community powered brand that focuses on empowering people of all colors, shapes, and identities” (No Sesso). This brand is a force to be reckoned with as they continue to assert their place in the spotlight.

 Website: https://nosesso.la/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nosessola/

 These three designers are only a few of the talented queer people that are revolutionizing the fashion industry and the world. They are paving the path for younger generations and fostering a community of positive self-expression and acceptance.

Other Sources: https://www.out.com/fashion/2019/9/12/9-queer-fashion-designers-leaving-their-mark-industry#media-gallery-media-2

In Italia, ho notato, tendiamo a non parlare bene, a non svelare i “nostri” trucchi. Mi spiego… tendiamo a non raccontare a quale professionista ci siamo rivolti soprattutto se ha a che fare con qualcosa di molto personale.

Ora, posso capire che non a tutti faccia piacere dire che si vede regolarmente con uno psichiatra (anche se molte persone ne sarebbero sollevate…) ma perchè non parlare di qualcuno che ha avuto un ruolo importante nella nostra vita come uno psicologo, un coach, un nutrizionista, un personal trainer, un … personal shopper?

Un giorno una cliente mi ha raccontato che, quando parlava di me e della sua bella esperienza di consulenza di immagine e personal shopping alle sue amiche, queste la guardavano un po’ stranite chiedendole se:

1. non fosse in grado di fare shopping da sola

2. non fosse in grado di vestirsi da sola

3. se forse stesse diventando un po’ troppo “Fighettina”

Per fortuna E. continua a tornare da me e non perchè non si sappia vestire da sola la mattina o faccia parte delle snob del quartiere, ma per un semplice fatto di comodità (e credo anche per una sana chiacchierata!).

Parlandone mi disse un giorno: ma perchè hanno questa reazione? IO con te vado a colpo sicuro, non butto via i soldi e mi fanno pure i complimenti per come mi vesto… è un’esperienza talmente positiva che vorrei consigliarla a tutti ma sembra che debba tenerti nascosta come se andassi dallo psicologo e avessi un problema mentale da non svelare a nessuno.

Nel passaparola negativo siamo tutti maestri ma perchè quello positivo è così pieno di ostacoli?

Se alimentassimo il passaparola positivo forse riusciremmo a contribuire alla crescita ed allo sviluppo di idee brillanti (non solo le mie 😉 ) e utili alla comunità facendo conoscere soluzioni a problemi quotidiani che spesso restano irrisolti per mancanza di conoscenza.

Voi che ne pensate?

Image courtesy of foto76 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Hai la sensazione che non ti stia bene nulla? Magari non ti riconosci più nel tuo corpo e non sai come valorizzarlo? Esistono delle tecniche specifiche e outfit reali per ogni portafoglio, che valorizzano qualsiasi tipo di fisico: anche il tuo!

Body Booster è il servizio di consulenza di immagine personale che ti consente di creare proprio l’immagine che vorresti partendo da come ti percepisci e dai tuoi pregi fisici: grazie all’utilizzo di tecniche di camouflage valorizzeremo istantaneamente i tuoi punti di forza.

Scoprirai il tuo vero tipo di fisico e le tue proporzioni per aiutarti a trovare il tuo stile in base alla tua vita, al tuo budget ed alle tue caratteristiche fisiche. A seguito della consulenza riceverai un personal styling report con outfit reali e indicazione dei negozi pensati proprio per te – senza compromessi! Perfetto come: regalo per te o per le persone che ami.

Durata: 1 ora

Prezzo: 92 euro (sessione live – escluse le spese di viaggio fuori Milano)
Prezzo per sessioni online a partire da 50 euro

Guarda i Pacchettiabbinabili a questo servizio.

Diamo una svolta alla tua immagine? Scrivimi!

When you look at yourself in the mirror you can only see weak points and feel like nothing fits you.

What if I told you that you can see yourself instantly better by focusing on your strength points using just a couple of simple tricks?

Body Booster is a personal image consulting service that allows you to improve your image just the way you want it, by starting from how you perceive yourself: by using famous camouflage techniques I will help you instantly flatter your strengths and physical points. You’ll discover your true body type and proportions to help find your style according to your lifestyle, budget, and physical features – with no compromise.

At the end of the session, you will receive a personal styling report containing your personalized and real outfits with links to shops.

Perfect for: a gift to yourself and all people you care about.
Duration: 1 hour
Price: 92 euros (live session – not including travel expenses outside Milan)
The price for online sessions starts from 50 euros
Have a look at the matching Combos.
Ready to boost your image? Contact me!

Liliana Minerva was born in New York City and grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut. At a young age, she developed a love for fashion and expressing her creativity through design. Liliana began sewing at age 10 and immersed herself in private lessons to develop her skills before taking fashion classes all throughout high school. When she was 14, Liliana began interning for a Connecticut based fashion designer, Jennifer Butler, where her passion for the industry and the design process grew immensely. The internship spanned four years, during which Liliana assisted frequently with sewing and finishing garments for clients and upcoming fashion shows. In addition, she developed marketing materials as well as coordinated fashion show models backstage to ensure the production of a smooth and successful show. It was during these years that Liliana was really able to deepen her appreciation for the numerous layers that exist within the fashion industry and solidified both her college and career goals.

Currently, Liliana is an upcoming senior at Cornell University, where she majors in Fiber Science and Apparel Design with a concentration in Fashion Design and minors in Business. At Cornell, she has designed for the Cornell Fashion Collective’s annual runway show as a freshman and sophomore, and now serves on the executive board as Design Coordinator. In the fall of 2019, Liliana was a Kuhlman Fiber Arts Scholarship recipient.

These experiences have allowed her to gain vital skills that she has been able to put into practice as a design intern. In the summer of 2019, Liliana worked as a Design Intern at Milly, a high-end contemporary womenswear brand in New York City. In this role, she designed patterns and prints, assisted in fabric purchase orders and fabric board development, and developed line sheets, wrote BOMs, and made tech packs for the upcoming Spring 2020 collection. This experience allowed her to gain an in-depth understanding of the fashion industry and furthered her career aspirations.

With her background in fashion design, she works to bring her creative vision and knowledge of the industry to develop content that motivates and inspires.

Attend our customized workshops for retail professionals eager to learn the winning strategies of image consulting and armocromy in order to increase sales and improve customer and client loyalty.
Learn more about how to boost your business with us

Iwaited to communicate it, I was looking for the best way to let you know that beautiful things happen, as I have the great opportunity to collaborate with a fashion house born from the ambition of a forward-looking and talented woman like Milena Andrade.

She is Brazilian but has lived in Milan longer than me and has the perfect pair of jeans.

Yes, it is one of the most difficult garments to find on the market, despite the infinite choice!

So I launched myself into this challenge: to introduce the world to the line of jeans by MILENA ANDRADE -THE EMPOWERING DENIM.

For them I take care of the development of the business, making sure that every woman can find her perfect pair of jeans both from the collection (which among other things is very cool!) And made to measure.

There’s another thing – how do we women feel when our pair of jeans makes us look slimmer and with the right curves?

We feel UNBEATABLE! With SUPER-POWERS!

And what do we want to do when we feel UNBEATABLE? We want to do everything and find the strength to achieve our goals in both private and professional life.

So,  as a networking lover having participated in hundreds of them I thought … why don’t we meet all these women who love jeans and are unbeatable too?

From this idea the evenings for Women with Super Powers are born: 2 nights a year, during which women with super-powers meet, introduce themselves, exchange experiences and business cards, network and do business and know in preview also the new collection of jeans Milena Andrade!

So … you bring business cards and we bring bubbles and jeans!

We hope it will be a unique evening of its kind, I hope so on a personal level because I believe that from a common passion we can unleash incredible energy and from this energy endless ideas and incredible projects!

So if you who are reading are a woman with super-powers, you think you have them but you don’t know what they are, you have talent, you have a project, you want to talk about it with someone or you just like jeans and you want to have a good laugh … what are you waiting for to confirm your presence on Tuesday 21 February 2017 at the first The Empowering Denim Event in Milan?

The new site is under construction but in the meantime we will inform you from our facebook page!

Will you be there? Yes you will be there!

Angela Bianchi – Personal Image Consultant and Personal ShopperAlessandra Salerno – Personal Image Consultant and Make-up ArtistClothes and accessories swappingProgram:3 hours of swappingMake-up sessionsPersonal Consulting on your swapsLight BuffetWhat hasn’t been swapped should be taken back homeYOu can swap anything but it must be in good conditions

It’s a great idea if you want to: find new clothes and accessorie for your wardrobe without spending a fortune, what to find the right gift, want to get rid of the wrong gift .. maybe it’s perfect for someobody else!