Unmasking Toxicity and Building Resilience with Kate Claridge
Jennifer Heinen | Fashion Psychologist
The fashion industry is often seen as glamorous, but behind the scenes, there’s a high-pressure environment that can sometimes be far from the glitz and glamour we see on the runway. In our latest episode of the Style My Mind podcast, we had an in-depth conversation with Kate Claridge, a fashion professional and fellow Fashion Psychologist, about the darker side of the fashion world—its toxic workplace culture, the toll it takes on mental health, and how to build resilience within it.
About the Guest – Kate Claridge
Kate Claridge is a seasoned fashion professional with over 20 years of experience across various roles, including product development, management, and technical support. From her early days on the shop floor to working closely with creative directors, Kate’s career has spanned all facets of the fashion industry. Her passion for mental health and a commitment to fostering psychological safety within fashion led her to pursue a master’s in Fashion Psychology. Today, she dedicates her work to improving the industry's culture, advocating for mental well-being, and supporting others in creating healthier, more inclusive environments in fashion.
The Reality of Toxicity in the Fashion Industry
We’ve all seen The Devil Wears Prada - but how real is the toxic behavior depicted in the movie? As Kate Claridge shares from her personal experience, it’s alarmingly accurate. “It’s no surprise that The Devil Wears Prada resonates with many of us in the industry - it’s a high-pressure environment filled with toxic behavior," she says. From sexual harassment to bullying, the industry’s competitive nature often fosters unhealthy work environments.
Research shows that high-stress industries like fashion frequently face issues such as workplace bullying, which can lead to increased anxiety, burnout, and mental health challenges. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, industries that prioritise competition over collaboration are more likely to experience toxic behaviours that negatively affect employees' well-being.
Mental Health in Fashion: Burnout and Well-being
The fast-paced, deadline-driven nature of fashion often pushes employees to their limits. “I was working till 2 AM, saving the company, being told that the pressure was necessary,” Kate recalls. This kind of relentless work culture can lead to burnout, a common issue in fashion. Burnout, characterised by emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a lack of accomplishment, is often driven by the demands placed on individuals in high-stakes industries like fashion.
Kate’s solution? Setting clear boundaries. “You have to remind yourself: it’s just clothes,” she says, emphasising the importance of creating mental and emotional distance from work stress. Experts agree that establishing boundaries is key to preventing burnout and maintaining mental health in demanding professions .
Effective Leadership in the Fashion Industry
In any industry, leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping workplace culture, and fashion is no different. As Kate notes, “The driving force behind toxic culture is the leadership.” Toxic leaders can create environments where bullying, competition, and fear thrive. In contrast, empowered leaders who focus on collaboration and employee development are far more likely to foster positive, productive workplaces.
Studies by organisational psychologists like Adam Grant highlight that managers who lead with empathy and transparency inspire more loyalty, creativity, and productivity from their teams . Kate points out that effective leaders must “raise people up, rather than pit them against each other.” This approach promotes both emotional well-being and business success in any team.
Building Resilience in High-Pressure Environments
Dealing with toxicity at work is challenging, but Kate shares a unique method for protecting her mental health: “I imagined a pink bubble around me - every negative thing would just bounce off.” While this may seem unconventional, it aligns with principles of energy work and emotional resilience. Visualisation techniques are widely recommended in psychology to help individuals manage stress and protect themselves from negative environments .
Another crucial aspect of resilience is setting firm boundaries. Kate emphasizes that it’s okay to say no: “You’re allowed to refuse unreasonable requests, even in high-pressure environments.” Developing resilience through boundaries, self-care, and mental distancing is critical in industries like fashion, where stress is often unavoidable.
Style My Mind Challenge
As Kate challenges you all: “Killing with kindness and setting boundaries are key to fostering a healthier workplace culture.” If the next generation of fashion professionals embraces these values, we could see the industry move away from toxicity and toward a culture of empathy and empowerment. So to succeed with our challenge this week, be extra kind to someone for 1 week and see how the ball of change will start rolling! Share your results with #StyleMyMindChallenge on all the socials!
Have you had similar experiences in the fashion industry? Share your thoughts with us, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Style My Mind podcast for more insightful conversations on fashion, psychology, and personal growth.
So what do we need to take away from this conversation?
While the fashion industry has many positives, there’s also a pressing need for cultural change. By addressing toxic leadership, promoting mental well-being, and setting strong personal boundaries, fashion professionals can create a more inclusive, healthy, and productive environment.
Thank you for reading!
Want to know more about Kate?
Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-claridge/
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