OPINION: Fashion is no longer a safe space
Sustainable fashion brand founder Deborah Lyons says the industry has seen a rise in antisemitism and become a place of polarisation since the October 7 Hamas attacks
As the Creative Director of two London-based sustainable brands, I have always believed that fashion should be a place for creatives who cherish liberty, diversity, and individuality. It is the reason I was so determined to establish a career in what, in so many ways, is an amazing industry. But of late, a darkness has taken over. Fashion has become a place of polarisation (online and offline), boycott calls and if I am honest, anxiety.
Along with so many areas across our society, fashion has seen a the rise of antisemitism. It no longer feels like a safe space.
That is why I, along with more than 1,000 Jewish and non-Jewish models, executives, brand owners, designers, stylists and others working in the industry, have co-signed an open letter calling on the fashion world to combat antisemitism within its ranks. Trust me, it is needed now more than ever.
I have loved ones in Israel who have been forced to leave their homes due to the ongoing rocket attacks. Tragically, I have also lost family members in previous terror attacks. These experiences, and an undergraduate degree in History, have strengthened my resolve to stand against hatred and discrimination.
I have been impacted by speaking out. For example, on social media I lost more than 1,000 followers in just three days after the Hamas attack on October 7, for simply calling for the safe return of hostages and advocating for a peace resolution.
Far more disturbing, I’ve received antisemitic messages, including comments suggesting that I should “go back to Germany and be killed.” Regardless of the fact that I have no German ancestry, these experiences are not only disheartening; they are deeply unsettling, emphasising the urgency of our need for support from the people in the industry that we have worked hard to contribute to.
And so, I am doing what I can to raise awareness of this issue in the fashion community. Along with my fellow signatories across the world, from the UK to the USA, France and Israel, we are calling on our peers to be more aware and sensitive to antisemitism and all forms of racism.
It is a plea for unity, a commitment to protect those working in fashion from the poison of hatred, and a reminder that the fashion world should be a safe space – it should not be a place where we are forced to reevaluate our safety, identity and the security of the businesses we have worked so hard to build, just because we are Jewish.
The fashion industry, with its powerful platform, influential voices, and broad reach, is uniquely positioned to effect change.
Raising awareness about the consequences of antisemitism is crucial – and that is why I am so grateful to all of the creatives in the industry that have proudly co-signed this letter, even if it means opening themselves up to criticism or the loss of business. By sharing stories, experiences, and knowledge, we can contribute to dismantling the stereotypes and prejudices that perpetuate hatred.
We can inspire a collective commitment to tolerance, empathy, and compassion, principles that should be upheld not only in the fashion world but in every facet of our lives.
We are at a pivotal moment where industry leaders, among others, must be vocal in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination – so that fashion can be what is what designed to be, a place of beauty, freedom, diversity, and unity.
Deborah Lyons is the co-founder and creative director of two London-based sustainability brands, Maison Lyons and Last Yarn
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
