Written by Morgan Leet
When you put something on that fits you just right, that shows the outside world who you are and that you’re comfortable in, it’s the ultimate form of confidence. Styling yourself in the right clothing can make you strut yourself down the street, knowing that you look your best. Clothing directly impacts your sense of confidence, telling a story about your personality. It’s not always as easy as walking into a store though or scrolling through looks online; it’s about finding outfits that are made to fit you, instead of making yourself fit into something.
The fashion industry has come leaps and bounds from where it once was, often made for one type of person; thin, white, able-bodied, and cis-gendered. Still, the majority of brands model on this type of body only, perpetuating harmful notions and othering groups of people. Seeing this ideal of someone who doesn’t look like you, and often is unattainable, can have detrimental effects on your self-esteem. Some brands though, are changing this narrative. More and more brands are telling the story of all people, making clothing for all body types, personalities, and reflective of all beliefs.
Here are some stand out brands that are making change in the inclusivity of fashion.
Lakuachimoto
This Montreal, Quebec-based brand was founded on the ideals of inclusivity, progressiveness, and genderless clothing. The clothing line lays between comfortable streetwear and couture, resulting in unique but wearable pieces. The creative and bold style is challenging fashion standards, and doing it in the most beautiful way.
Take a look at Flanelle’s coverage of Lakuachimoto M3 Runway.
Eckhaus Latta
Designers Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta joined forces to create this brand with gender-neutral designs. They’ve gained widespread attention for inclusivity of all genders, ages, sizes, and races in their campaigns and runways shows; casting what they refer to as ‘non-models’ to walk, such as their close friends. They push the bounds in every way, with their experimental shows that are art performances in their own right, ambiguous pieces, and use of unexpected materials.
No Sesso
‘No Sesso’ is Italian for no sex/gender, and the name of the groundbreaking brand created by Pierre Davis. The brand as a whole was created to empower all identities and challenge the norms of fashion, and and culture. Pierre made history as the first openly transgender woman to present a collection to an official New York Fashion Week runway, and her brand continues to impress with designs made for all.
11 Honoré
Patrick Herning started the plus-size luxury brand in 2017, featuring designers like Christian Siriano and Caroline Herrera in extended sizing. He was determined to make it possible to have luxury brands more inclusive, and worked directly with them to make it possible. Since then they’ve been one of the top brands for size inclusivity, opening New York Fashion Week in 2019. They have launched their private in-house collection as well as have worked directly with celebrities and designers to create impactful lines.
Aranyani
Feeling confident in your clothing isn’t always just about how it looks, but also how it’s made. Aligning your style with your beliefs is another way to show the world your personality and values. Buying from brands that you believe in ethically, can make that extra difference. Aranyani is a Flanelle favourite, for its meaningful values and ethical creation process as well as the stunning designs. They consider everything from employee pay to environmental impact, so you can purchase with the confidence you’re contributing to change.
Read more about Aranyani, and the founder Haresh Mirpuri.
Veja
Based in Paris, France, Veja not only makes sneakers from ethically sourced materials like sugar cane, rice waste, and organic cotton, but also that are accessible. Their V-lock velcro shoes are perfect to top off a streetwear look, accessible, and functional by the removal of the laces. This step of inclusivity is imperative for brands to make, to ensure every body and ability can wear their pieces.
Take a look at Eli; accessible design for an inclusive world, which further showcases designs that work to provide solutions and creative approaches to the special needs community.
Simone Rocha
When it comes to fashion, especially on runways, youth is prioritized. Irish designer Simone Rocha has consistently included models of all ages in her shows though, ages ranging from 21 to 76 years old. In her recent collaboration with H&M she had every generation in mind, with the intention of emphasizing beauty at any age.
Rachel Comey
Designer Rachel Comey features a broad range of inclusivity in her product shots and modeling. A stand out is the inclusivity of age ranges, including elders as models. It’s a key group that’s often pushed aside in the fashion industry and often not considered to include in product shots. Her colorful designs further push the boundary of what is stereotypically considered ‘age appropriate’, promoting playful style for everyone.
The more frequently you can feel confident, the better. Read 13 Things You Can Do For A Confidence Boost to keep up the powerful emotion that is confidence.