Welcome to this week’s roundup of the latest news in the marketing world with a touch of inclusion and diversity!
In this week’s inclusive marketing news round up, we tell you about Retrograde, Grace Beverly’s new AI talent management, the newest Disabled Barbie doll, the latest TikTok feature that we were all waiting for, and lots more.
If you want to be like these brands, and be known for your amazing inclusive work, or you want to start your inclusion journey, contact us today.
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Primark x Victoria Jenkins
Back in January Primark launched their first adaptive underwear collection, and now the brand is partnering with adaptive fashion expert, Victoria Jenkins, as part of their next stage in their journey of creating a more accessible and inclusive brand.
With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, Victoria, who’s also the founder of fashion brand ‘Unhidden’ has been recognised by British Vogue in its annual Vogue 25 list and named the second most influential Disabled person on The Shaw Trust Disability Power 100.
We cannot wait to see what this collaboration brings and we’re looking forward to seeing more adaptive collections from Primark!
Source: linkedin.com
First Ever Blind Barbie Doll Released
Following the collection of more inclusive Barbie dolls, Mattel has released its first ever blind Barbie, looking to increase representation across its range of toys. The company partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind (US) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (UK), to design the doll.
This Barbie doll will come with a cane and dark glasses, and will feature textured clothing so children who are blind or visually impaired can feel the outfits she’s wearing. Her eyes will also look slightly up and out, to reflect some blind people’s gaze.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Tasha Ghouri’s New Book
‘Hits Different’ is the newest book by influencer Tasha Ghouri, written alongside Lizzie Huxley-Jones. The romantic novel follows a girl who is Deaf and wears a cochlear implant (same as Tasha), and it tries to increase the representation of Disabled characters in books. Tasha shared her excitement on her instagram page, while she also thanked her followers for all the support she’s received since the launch of the book.
Source: instagram.com
Pop Up Event for Kids with Limb Differences
US influencer and disability advocate, April Lockhart, recently hosted an event for kids with limb differences, called ‘Tiny Disabled Fashion Girlies’. The pop up event was full of colour and joy, and April shared the big impact the kids had on her.
This shows how important representation and community are from a very young age!
Source: instagram.com
Grace Beverly’s New AI Talent Management – Retrograde
The British entrepreneur and influencer has teamed up with tech professionals Jake Browne and Gary Meehan to create ‘Retrograde’. The aim with the AI app is to democratise the creator industry and help creators of all sizes.
The platform has been received by mixed opinions from industry professionals, but a lot of talent agents have come forward to showcase their support to the Retrograde founders. AI can’t replace managers, but it can help hundreds of creators out there that struggle to get brand deals and to be treated fairly in the industry.
Will you be joining their waitlist?
Source: corq.studio
TikTok Adds Custom Thumbnail Option for Videos
The TikTok feature we were all waiting for!
The platform is now allowing users to choose between a video frame or upload a specific image to use as the cover of the video. This option could help create more standout visuals on your profile. With this update, TikTok is following the lead of Reels which already has custom thumbnail editing.
This could be a big addition, but then again, most people come across TikTok videos within the main feed, which means it might not have as big of an impact as thumbnails can have on YouTube, for example.
Source: socialmediatoday.com
Trend Spotlight: Finger Says No
We’re loving this trend where you can share something you’ll reply ‘no’ to. We went for ‘Will you ever shut up about how the world has to be more accessible?” (#CantStopWontStop).
Have you tried it yet?
Source: tiktok.com
Campaign Spotlight: Bodyform
Our campaign spotlight this week has to go to Bodyform and their campaign titled ‘Never Just A Period’. The ad uses exaggerations and humour to address the often confusing and misunderstood experiences women face regarding health issues.
Definitely worth a watch!
Conclusion
Make sure to come back to check our bi-weekly news recap with the latest inclusive updates in the marketing and social media worlds. And follow us on social media for more inclusive content!
That’s all for this week, but don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok for more news and exciting content.
