Fashion that celebrates you
Celebrating the human experience through confident clothing
Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them. — Marc Jacob
You may know what it feels like to walk into a store or your closet, try on clothes and nothing seems to fit. You hear yourself shrug in frustration “ Nothing fits! It’s too small, too big, too long, too short, too something…”
Whatever that something is…
A Survey of 1,000 American women found that one in ten women are depressed when they open their closet
It is a completely different feeling from when you walk into that store and go
“ OMG 😍 everything in here is made for me”.
You begin to feel a sense of familiarity with the maker, it’s almost as if they understand you on a personal level, it’s like they consulted you, took your measurements, and made that design custom for you. Every cut is perfect, every seam is perfect, and the fabric is right! You feel comfort, confidence, and joy. You feel heard, you feel seen, and you feel all the delight of being in a place where you belong.
I call it ‘ Fashion that Celebrates You.’
In my early teenage years, my mum told me “Len, you are worth more than gold, dress like you are.” I remember bursting into tears because these words brought me to a realization.
I am worth more than gold, I am priceless, I am precious, I am beautiful, I am special and everything I put on my body should celebrate who I am. This is a philosophy I have carried with me over the years and I make sure to always convey this message to my clients.
Over the years I have worked with so many clients who have experienced both sides of the coin, and I can tell you the difference is obvious. I have watched some of my clients feel so frustrated, sad, and even burst into tears after going through stores where they couldn’t find the right clothes for them. Some of them start blaming themselves and say stuff like, “it’s my fault”, “I am too fat”, “I am too skinny”, and so on. Lots of body shaming and internalization of the whole situation. I have also experienced the pure joy that comes with finding the right clothes and all of this got me thinking about where the problem is and how I can bring the solution to you.
Have you considered that those stores are the problem? Let me explain, most fast fashion houses make clothes on dummies/mannequins, the measurements are taken from a sizing chart that probably doesn’t apply to real people. Even worst, these clothes are made with models in mind and factories that have no real association with the people wearing these clothes. There goes the problem!
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“The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress.” — Hubert de Givenchy
Clothes are meant for real people who are beautifully imperfect. No two people in the world have the exact same body or form, we are all different. As a buyer, or consumer, your mindset has to shift from blaming yourself, to acknowledging that the clothing was not made for you. Clothes must be made to fit the person and not the other way round
Here are some tips to help you find more authentic clothing for your unique self.
1. Do your research: Many brands out there are making a conscious effort towards becoming more size-inclusive, they are intentionally making clothing that considers the wholesomeness of people. Some clothing brands even state that because real people experience real problems, they have decided to find real solutions. This could include making more color-inclusive, size-inclusive, form-inclusive clothing and so on.
Doing research takes time, but doesn’t everything good take time? It may cost a little more, but If you can invest time and money in other things then investing in yourself and the way you look and feel shouldn’t be any different. Do yourself a favor and find the things that are there to celebrate you and not tolerate you.
2. Tailors and local designers are your best friends: You would be surprised at what a slight modification on a dress can do. It can turn a baggy and sloppy piece of clothing into a designer look. When your clothes are tailored to fit you, they feel more authentic, they fit better, they feel better and you look like yourself. As a fashion designer and stylist, I have the privilege of making custom clothes for the most beautiful people. My biggest joy comes from seeing a client cry or smile when they wear my designs. I don’t just make clothing, I make clothing for that person. I put their personalities into these designs and I make sure that the final piece speaks to their true being. (See Exhibit )
Today’s fashion world seems to be on a ball of cloning and confusion. Therefore uniqueness is everything
Fashion designers that stand out from the crowd are those that pay attention to the details by using craftsmanship to produce unique pieces for real people.
For instance, The reason why Zara shoes will never cost the same as a pair of Jimmy Choo’s is in the differences in;
✅core process,
✅craftsmanship and
✅attention to detail.
While one is made with the intention of wearability and profit making, the other is made with the woman in mind, her core values, her beliefs, her fantasies, excitements, joys, pains, and all the elements that make her a woman.
Research even shows that the success of a design is measured not only in its visual evidence but also in its experience. When I design I get out of my head and put myself into my clients’ minds and bodies, looking at things from their perspective; their fears, feelings, fantasies, and all the things that make them who they truly are. I design clothing that my client will not only wear but clothing that they can experience.
3. Embody your clothing: Add yourself and your aura to your clothes: It could be adding some accessories that are unique to you. What color, shapes, materials, and texture bring out the best in you? What parts of your culture, values, and lifestyle can you bring to life using clothing? Taking out the time to explore yourself and the ways in which you can showcase that, is a great way to add a little something to your wardrobe.
Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. — Rachel Zoe
4. Get an expert to assist you: The best way to completely avoid the drama of shopping is to hire a personal shopper and/or a personal stylist. If shopping and finding clothes for yourself is not your strongest point then pay someone to do it. These people not only enjoy shopping, but they know exactly what to buy for you, where to shop for you, and your specific style at any price range. In my career as a stylist, I have worked with so many women who have a wide range of budgets and for every one of those women, we have found clothes that celebrate them at each level. We take the time to understand your needs, study your lifestyle, understand you, and find clothes that work for you. Sometimes we go as far as putting outfits together so you never have to think about what you are going to wear ever again. All you need to do is grab from a preselected outfit stand. This takes off all the pressure from you and allows you to actually focus on other things that you are good at and that are important to you.
Choosing fashion that celebrates you is the ultimate way to look good, feel good and also minimize your impact on the environment. If you have clothes that you love, you are more likely to wear them, and if they are of good quality and value, the chances of them ending up in landfills are very slim.
When you love your wardrobe, you take better care of your clothes, you spend less time and money, and you take better care of yourself. You feel happier and better for telling/expressing your authentic story through clothing that celebrates you.
#Invest in clothing that celebrates You
#Wear what truly represents your and makes you happy
#Exploring our relationship with fashion
