In the modern fashion and beauty ,it is not just about the trends , but more about the people. The people pillar concentrates mainly on both the industries coming together culturally and socially together.this includes how brands represent different identities, how they treat workers and respond to the changing customers values (FBS people seminar 2025).
An influencial entity that is shaping tomorrow – GenZ , people born between 1995-2010.We grew into a world filled with social media ,where it involves a diverse group of opinions about all materialistic things,we want more than just a good product , where authentic and sustainable products are made.Maybelline launched the Green edition line, which uses vegan formulas and more sustainable packaging. It’s designed for eco-conscious consumers without compromising on performance (Maybelline, 2023).
This takes us to EDI, which refers to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Equality means everyone gets the same chances and support, diversity means including people of different races, genders and backgrounds. Inclusion ensures everyone feels valued and heard (Mor Barak, 2015).Fenty’s launch in 2017 was widely celebrated for its inclusive shade range (40+ foundation shades at launch) which addressed a gap in the beauty industry for under‑represented skin tones.The brand has been used as a benchmark for inclusive marketing and representation in beauty. Fenty positions itself as “everyone” makeup — “makeup for all” is embedded in its messaging. Brands like Glossier and MAC are known for real marketing that includes all kinds of people and supports important causes (Glossier, 2023).
It’s not just about ads — company culture is important too. Top brands hire diverse teams, provide bias training, and promote inclusive leaders (Deloitte, 2021). For example, Estée Lauder has programs to support diversity and inclusion at work (Estée Lauder, 2022).
Inorder to grow, fashion and beauty industries need strong people skills – cultural, social, ethical, communication, awareness. All these skills makes the brand to understand what the Genz and a wider range requires while creating respectful, inclusive workspaces (FBS-People Seminar, 2025; Harvard Business Review, 2021).
In the end , the people pillar shows us the fashion and beauty industry is about the values, relationships and identity than just a product. To improve the industry , we need to put the people first.
REFERENCE:
FBS-People Seminar (2025) People Pillar in Fashion and Beauty. [Lecture notes]
https://www.indexmh.org/case-studies/fenty-beauty-%E2%80%93-inclusive-by-default
Maybelline (2023) Green Edition by Maybelline: Conscious Beauty. Available at: https://www.maybelline.com(Accessed: 19 October 2025).
Glossier. (2023). Our mission and values. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.glossier.com/pages/mission
MAC Cosmetics. (2023). MAC Viva Glam: Empowerment through diversity. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.maccosmetics.com/vivaglam