Wedding dress shopping should be one of the most exciting times in your life with racks and racks of endless options. Unfortunately, this is not the reality if you’re a size 12+ and have to compromise your dream style for sizing. I loved my wedding gown, but didn’t have the most positive experience shopping. That’s why I’m excited to collaborate with brands who are disruptors for change pushing for representation. This week I spoke on a diversity and inclusive fashion panel with 11 Honoré and Floravere at H Club Los Angeles.
Both disruptive brands and their founders discussed the conception of their respective businesses and what it means to them to be an inclusive brand. They highlighted the challenges and realities that come with creating this space in the fashion industry, and more. I shared my expertise from a client/stylist’s perspective alongside 11 Honore’s Social Media Maven, Nicole Bette.
Here are a key takeaways from the diversity & inclusion panel.
Diversity & Inclusion Matters
Floravere realized there is problem with bridal styling. The process is outdated with only samples in-house for potential brides to try on! They are focused on changing the way the industry approaches styling and casting by pushing for more women of color and curves in their campaigns. 11 Honoré is consistently working with designers to educate them on how to design for plus women.
Social Media Pushes the Conversation
Nicole Bette highlighted how many direct messages 11 Honoré receives about fit, sizing and at home try-ons. Their social media strategy helps customers see what clothing looks like on curvy women with the support of influencers. The result is now plus women now approach at home styling it with pride instead of fear enhancing diversity & inclusion.
11 Honoré is Launching an In-House Brand
Patrick Herring recently recruited former Torrid designer, Danielle Williams-Eke as the new design director to help launch their more affordable in-house private label. She recently designed the Critics Choice Awards gown for Chrissy Metz. This development will bring a lot more customers to the brand by making accessible fashion for all!
Consumers Hold the Power
It was important for me to highlight the energy shift in the room Just a few years ago, it would have been impossible to pull a dress off the rack at a pop-up for a size 16 woman. There were racks and racks of clothing and powerful tastemakers everywhere. I closed with the reminder that “consumers have the power with how we spend! It’s important to support brands that support you!”
Do you feel like the tide is changing in regards to diversity & inclusion in fashion? I want to know in the comments!
Special thank you to 11 Honoré! Dress: Rachel Comey
