As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

Diverse representation is an expectation, but as individuals no longer allow themselves to be defined in singular terms, there's mounting pressure on brands to understand and sensitively reflect how the intersections between race, gender, class, and ability impact people's everyday lives.

Gucci is building an internal inclusion strategy to create greater opportunities for people with disabilities. With employees opting for companies that are committed to long-term change around DEI, Gucci's strategy recognises that internal policy can generate a wider change in culture.

With many disabled people still feeling left out of typical beauty narratives and mainstream conversations, some brands are hoping to diversify the landscape. Hair-care brand Pantene is driving inclusivity through product innovation and partnerships with key voices in the disabled community.

Shapewear brand SKIMS has launched a line of undergarments designed for customers with limited mobility, combining accessibility with style. It reflects how brands are facing up to calls for fashion-forward and comfortable options for everyone, not just those who fit conventional body shapes.

People with disabilities face numerous barriers at work, but as COVID-19 locked down the world, the shift to WFH created new professional opportunities. As businesses seek to restore normalcy post-pandemic, how can they ensure that remote and hybrid set-ups best serve workers with disabilities?