The fashion industry’s promises to diversify its productions to include black talent behind the scenes and beyond the runway has always been a precarious affair. Consistent support and investment of rising black creatives feels like it’s teetering on a tightrope, especially in terms of equity and not just visibility. From their respective stations, Lindsay Peoples, editor-in-chief of The Cut and co-founder of the Black in Fashion Council, and model agent and BIFC board member, Kyle Hagler know how far the industry has come in terms of inclusion…and that it has only scratched the surface. From their perspectives as industry insiders, both Peoples and Hagler, who recently started his new representation venture, No Smoking, are verified trailblazers in the fashion industry, known for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through their ventures, they provide valuable perspectives on the importance of representation, the role of fashion in society, and what the future holds for the industry. For those very reasons, Models.com is launching Industry Access, a must-watch panel series for anyone interested in the future of fashion and its impact on the world. Models.com editor Irene Ojo-Felix sat down with the two heavy hitters to discuss their experiences and insights on the current state of the fashion industry, highlighting the progress that has been made, and the challenges that still remain.