EP.26/ The Importance of Joy and Inclusivity In Fashion: With Oge Ajibe
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Mentioned Links: Oge Ajibe
In this episode, I’m taking a step back to talk about the joy of fashion with Oge Ajibe. We talk about size inclusivity, gender inequality in fashion and so much more. We also talk about how Oge was able to build a sustainable fashion brand by using - what she calls “dead fabrics” (deadstock) - and bringing them to life.
So grab your favourite comfort drink and join us for this joyful chat about self-expression and inclusivity.
The Episode At A Glance:
SIZE INCLUSIVITY
Did you know that approximately "67 percent of all women in the U.S. are above a size 16, but for fashion week in spring 2021, only 34 models out of 2,293 were plus-size"? And this doesn’t end at Fashion Week. This problem is seen in stores everywhere all the time where size-based discrimination has become the norm.
But why is society this way? Why do we promote a body standard that most of us simply are not?
In this section, we talk about the gap between what fashion idealizes and promotes, and what the majority of society needs. We discuss how fashion capitalizes on insecurities and intentionally pushes an unrealistic standard so that we don’t feel comfortable in our own skin, making us compelled to fill the gap with more and more things, instead of looking intrinsically and being content with who and what we are and have.
We also talk about the role gender equality has in this space and the impact male-dominated leadership has on size inclusivity in fashion.
THE IMPORTANCE OF JOY IN FASHION
In this section, we talk about how important it is to feel joy in your body and with what you wear and the role fashion has in boosting confidence and security.
We talk about Oge’s journey with self-expression and self-love and how fashion played an instrumental role in bringing her to a space in her life where she loves her body, accepts it and wants to bring the same joy and acceptance to her customers and clients.
SUSTAINABILITY: BRINGING DEAD FABRICS TO LIFE
How is it possible to build a successful fashion brand using mostly deadstock fabric? As some of you may know, most brands refrain from using deadstock in their collections because of the lack of consistency in production. And this is a valid point, deadstock can be very inconsistent. Deadstock is fabric that is left as waste - dead and forgotten - and because of this, it’s hard to rely on a restocking system and structure.
So how did Oge Ajibe do it?
By creating lively garments that are mostly limited edition, she’s able to build a relationship with customers that are looking for something unique and special.
So the beauty of having a deadstock-lead brand becomes less of a ‘consistency’ inconvenience, but a way to bring unique garments to customers that value them while also reducing pre-consumer textile waste.
Learn about Oge’s view of sustainability and her ideas for the future in this section.
Ending Note:
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