Redefining Collaboration in the Fashion Industry: The COLLABORATIONS Initiative
By Kal Kalim, Creative Director at DIScover India Studios

This movement is not just for us, but for the next generation. It is about setting the right example and providing a platform where aspiring models, influencers and creatives can truly understand the value of a partnership. Young talents are often taken advantage of because they don’t know how to navigate these spaces. This is an opportunity to help them see what a true, respectful and fair collaboration looks like.

Collaboration. A word we hear so often in fashion. But have we stopped to ask—what does it really mean? Too often, the concept has been misused, reduced to bartering free work for exposure, unboxing videos, vacations and brunches that don’t always translate into real value or long-term career growth. It is time for us to redefine what a true collaboration should look like.

The Problem: When Collaboration becomes Exploitation

Over the years, the word “collaboration” has been stretched and misused—often benefiting only the more resourceful players, leaving emerging talent undervalued and unseen. Too often, emerging creatives, influencers and models are asked to participate in collaborations with promises of visibility, experience or “freebies” that ultimately don’t build their careers or provide long-term benefits. This isn’t collaboration—it is exploitation disguised as opportunity.

A true collaboration should never be a one-sided exchange. It should be a partnership where both sides contribute meaningfully and benefit equally. We must break this cycle and ensure that collaborations in our industry are built on fairness, respect and a true exchange of value.

The word “Collaboration” has been misused in the beauty & fashion industry for far too long. It is often thrown around as an excuse for free work, one-sided exchanges and blurred expectations. Many young models, artists and creatives are led to believe they’re entering a fair partnership, only to find themselves undervalued. It is time we change that.

What is a True Collaboration?

A true collaboration is about much more than simply two parties coming together. It is about the coming together of two complementary, often unrelated forces—where each partner is vital to the success of the whole. The idea or concept couldn’t have been completed without either of the partners. One partner might be more established or successful, but the value each brings to the table is indispensable.

True collaboration is also about shared belief. It is not just about working together to complete a project or a task—it is about both parties being fully invested in the same concept or belief. Both collaborators believe in the idea, cause or mission completely. It is a joint commitment, where each party is equally passionate and aligned in pushing a concept forward—not just for individual gain, but for the collective good of the project or cause.

Celebrating Powerful Collaborations

While we must address the misuse of collaboration, it is equally important to celebrate the power of truly meaningful partnerships. Some of the most groundbreaking moments in fashion, art and culture have come from collaborations where both parties brought something unique to the table.

Many collaborations aren’t just about money—they are about synergy, shared vision and passion. There are designers who have collaborated with emerging artists to create something truly fresh and revolutionary. There are photographers and models who have come together not for a paycheck, but for the sheer joy of creating something beautiful. There are industry veterans who have mentored young talent, exchanging knowledge for fresh perspectives. These collaborations are the essence of what makes our industry thrive.

Collaboration should be encouraged, not feared. The key is to ensure that every partnership is built on respect, clear expectations and mutual benefit. When done right, collaborations can be the most powerful way to elevate careers, push creative boundaries and bring ideas to life that would have never been possible alone.

The COLLABORATIONS Initiative: Changing the Narrative

The COLLABORATIONS Initiative is about bringing awareness to the real meaning of collaboration. It is about ensuring that emerging talent, from young models to up-and-coming artists and influencers, understand their worth and are equipped to enter collaborations where they are valued and respected. It is about ensuring that these creatives are not exploited, that their time and talent are compensated fairly, and that their participation in a collaboration brings tangible growth to their careers.

At the same time, it is about teaching those who are established and successful how to give back. By entering into true collaborations, the more established players in the industry have the opportunity to mentor, guide and empower the next generation of talent. This is about creating a culture of mutual support, where successful brands & professionals use their resources, knowledge and influence to lift others up, rather than keeping the benefits of collaboration to themselves.

The Path Forward: Shaping the future of Collaborations

This initiative is not just about spreading awareness but about taking action. We are inviting creatives from all corners of the industry to join us in this mission to redefine what collaboration truly means. We want to hear the stories of those who have experienced the real power of collaboration—the transformative partnerships that have made a tangible difference in their lives and careers.

As part of the COLLABORATIONS initiative, we are calling on professionals, models, influencers and artists to share their experiences, reflect on what true collaboration means, and champion the importance of fairness, respect and mutual value exchange in every partnership.

True collaboration is about bringing an idea to life together, where each partner is essential to the success of the whole. It is about coming together to push a concept or belief forward, a belief that both parties are fully aligned with. It is about sharing the same vision, the same commitment and the same drive to make something meaningful.

This isn’t just a conversation but a movement. If you believe in fair and meaningful collaborations, let’s take action together. Whether you’re an emerging creative or an established industry leader, your voice matters. Join us. Share your experience. Be a part of the change. Let’s work together to rebuild the true spirit of collaborations in the fashion industry—where respect, fairness and mutual growth are at the forefront. Together, we can create a more inclusive, ethical and sustainable future for all creatives, where every partnership is a stepping stone toward greater success.

Let’s make sure that when we collaborate, we are not just working together to benefit from one another’s resources—we are building something greater than ourselves, for the collective good of the industry and the people within it.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a true collaboration in fashion really mean?

A true collaboration in fashion goes beyond two parties coming together for a project. It is about creating something that couldn’t have been done without each other’s input. In these partnerships, both parties bring complementary strengths, whether it is expertise, resources or ideas. The collaboration thrives on a shared belief or concept—both collaborators are fully aligned in their values, vision and goals. The partnership is equally beneficial for everyone involved, ensuring that no party is taken advantage of or exploited, and that both share in the success of the project.

2. How has the term “collaboration” been misused in the fashion industry?

The term “collaboration” has been often misused to mask one-sided deals where one party benefits disproportionately. Emerging models, artists and creatives are often asked to “collaborate” in exchange for exposure, free work or perks like free products or trips, but without any real compensation or long-term career benefits. Instead of being a mutually beneficial partnership, these “collaborations” become an exploitative model, where newcomers are left without anything tangible to show for their efforts. The real meaning of collaboration should be about sharing resources and value between all parties.

3. Why is it important to redefine collaborations in the fashion industry?

Redefining collaborations is crucial for ensuring that the next generation of creatives is not taken advantage of. Many emerging artists, models and influencers enter collaborations thinking they are gaining valuable exposure, but they are often left without real value or fair compensation. By redefining collaboration as an equal exchange of value, it creates a system where newcomers are treated with respect, and their work is appreciated, ensuring fairness and sustainable growth for all involved.

4. What is the role of successful and established brands/ professionals in collaborations?

Successful and established brands/ professionals in the industry have a responsibility to give back by providing opportunities and mentorship to younger, emerging talent. They should use their experience, resources and influence to guide newcomers, offering real value in collaborations. By entering into true partnerships, established professionals help nurture the future of the industry and create a more equitable system where both parties contribute equally and grow together. Their involvement helps create a culture of respect and mutual growth in the industry.

5. How does the COLLABORATIONS initiative aim to address these issues?

The COLLABORATIONS initiative by DIScover India Studios seeks to raise awareness about the misuse of the term “collaboration” and how it has been exploited in the fashion industry. By educating both newcomers and established professionals, the initiative aims to promote true collaborations based on fairness, mutual respect and shared values. The goal is to create ethical partnerships where both parties benefit equally and ensure that emerging talents are compensated fairly and treated with the respect they deserve.

6. What are the characteristics of a true collaboration?

A true collaboration is built on mutual respect and the idea that each partner is essential to the project’s success. Both parties bring something valuable to the table—whether it is their skill, knowledge, resources or creativity—and the project would not have been completed without both of their contributions. True collaborations are also based on a shared vision or belief. Both parties are equally invested in the success of the project and work together to bring that idea to life.

7. What are the common misconceptions about collaborations in fashion?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that collaborations are often seen as a “free work” exchange where emerging talent offers their services in return for exposure or perks like free products or trips. While this may benefit some, it often doesn’t translate into long-term career growth or financial reward. Another misconception is that collaborations are always equal, when in fact, many collaborations leave one party more exploited than the other. True collaborations should always be built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared benefits and value exchange.

8. Why do some collaborations end up being exploitative?

Collaborations can become exploitative when one party, often the more established or resourceful side, does not provide adequate value to the partnership. The emerging or less established party may be asked to contribute time, work and creativity without receiving fair compensation, exposure or the opportunity to grow their career. This imbalance of power can create a toxic dynamic in the industry, where emerging talent is taken advantage of under the guise of collaboration, leaving them without the resources to move forward.

9. How can emerging models and artists ensure they enter into fair collaborations?

Emerging models and artists should educate themselves on what makes a true collaboration—understanding the value they bring to the table and what they expect in return. They should ask clear questions about the scope of the collaboration, the deliverables and the expected benefits. If the collaboration is based solely on exposure or perks without real tangible benefits, it may not be worth pursuing. Trust your instincts, and remember that a true collaboration should be based on mutual growth, fairness and respect.

10. What can we expect from the COLLABORATIONS initiative?

The COLLABORATIONS initiative will provide a platform to share stories, experiences and insights on what true collaboration looks like in the fashion industry. The initiative will encourage models, artists, brands and influencers to reflect on their past collaborations, discuss what went well, and share lessons learned. It will focus on building a community of like-minded individuals who believe in fostering ethical, fair and impactful collaborations that uplift the industry as a whole.

11. How can established brands and influencers contribute to the success of this movement?

Established brands and influencers can contribute by actively participating in true collaborations, using their platform and resources to mentor and support emerging talent. They can speak out against exploitative practices and set an example of what respectful, mutually beneficial collaborations look like. By doing so, they help shift the industry towards a more ethical, sustainable model that prioritises fairness and value for everyone, regardless of their experience or status in the industry.

12. How can individuals get involved in this movement?

Anyone who believes in the values of true collaboration can get involved by joining the conversation—whether through social media, sharing their stories or contributing to the initiative’s efforts. Creatives, professionals, brands and influencers can start by examining their past collaborations, identifying what worked and what didn’t, and sharing those insights with others. The movement will grow by coming together as a community to advocate for better practices and work toward redefining what collaboration truly means in fashion.

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XPLAINED is our initiative to share, collaborate, learn and communicate with absolute transparency. The author, Kal Kalim, is a Melbourne based fashion photographer, brand strategist and communication designer who has worked with fashion and lifestyle brands in Europe, Asia and Australia over the last two decades. He believes in the power of authenticity, creativity, originality, kindness and purpose. Purposeful and meaningful communication is at the core of every campaign or collaboration that he likes being a part of. Kal especially loves working with brands & businesses that strengthen local communities and are inspiring the next generation of creators, designers, thinkers and entrepreneurs to be authentic, creative & kind.

Kal also manages an educational & learning-style beauty pageant & modelling academy called ASOTY ( Australian Supermodel of the Year ). ASOTY is focused on helping girls discover their inner beauty and the true supermodel within them. And prepare them for the fashion and beauty industry through relevant coaching & ongoing mentoring. A similar program for men was initiated in India too during the pandemic. CDMTM ( Clothes Don’t Maketh The Man ) is world’s first hybrid program focused on coaching and grooming men towards becoming a better version of themselves. 

Kal loves travelling, and collaborating with people who want to make this world a better place through their word, walk and work.