Inclusive Runways: Yseult Leads the Charge for More Diverse Fashion Representation

Inclusive Runways: Yseult Leads the Charge for More Diverse Fashion Representation

Yseult, the French musician, made history by becoming the first plus-size model to walk the Balenciaga runway during Demna's SS24 show. This groundbreaking moment was the result of Yseult's initiative when she reached out to Balenciaga CEO Cedric Charbit, leading to a collaboration with Demna, who eventually cast her. Yseult expressed her excitement about being a part of the show and emphasized the importance of diversity in the fashion industry. Yseult's ambitions extend beyond this milestone, as she plans to continue advocating for better representation and accessibility in the fashion world and hints at potential collaborations with major luxury houses.

October 06, 2023 — Carter Ogden
Kristin Davis's Inspiring Journey to Body Acceptance and Defying Hollywood Beauty Standards

Kristin Davis's Inspiring Journey to Body Acceptance and Defying Hollywood Beauty Standards

In a recent candid revelation, Kristin Davis opened up about her prolonged battle with body acceptance, proudly declaring her newfound love and acceptance for her natural physique. Speaking with Woman Magazine, the actress shared her journey of embracing her body shape, emphasizing that she has shifted her focus from conforming to unrealistic beauty standards to indulging in activities that bring her joy, such as yoga and Pilates. Davis also shed light on the ageist pressures faced by women in an industry that often imposes cosmetic procedures as a norm. She urged women to opt for such procedures only if it aligns with their personal desires, not due to societal pressures. This isn't the first time the former "Sex and the City" star has addressed the issue of Hollywood's beauty ideals. She previously discussed the industry's fixation on a particular body image and recalled her entry into a world dominated by "stick-skinny women with blond hair and blue eyes" during the '90s. Furthermore, Davis candidly discussed her experiences with facial fillers, acknowledging both positive and negative outcomes. She revealed that dealing with the consequences of fillers, including the need for dissolution, had been an emotional and stressful journey, marked by relentless ridicule, highlighting the importance of embracing natural beauty and self-acceptance in the face of industry pressures. Kristin Davis's openness serves as a powerful reminder of the need for authenticity and self-love in an industry often obsessed with unrealistic standards.
September 26, 2023 — Carter Ogden
Redefining Beauty Standards at NYFW

Redefining Beauty Standards at NYFW

New York Fashion Week has become a platform for an important conversation about diversity, inclusivity, and breaking traditional beauty standards in the fashion industry. Among the brands making waves in this movement is Selkie, which recently stole the spotlight with a runway show that featured models of all sizes, skin tones, ages, and gender identities, including a wheelchair user. Social media influencers like Remi Bader and Mandy Lee have applauded Selkie for setting a new standard in fashion inclusivity, while the industry as a whole faces scrutiny for its lack of representation. Despite some challenges and setbacks, the demand for diversity in fashion is on the rise, reflecting changing consumer preferences and a potentially lucrative market for inclusivity in the years ahead.
September 22, 2023 — Carter Ogden
FIT Launches Plus-Size Design Course Led by Designer Mallorie Dunn

FIT Launches Plus-Size Design Course Led by Designer Mallorie Dunn

The fashion landscape has gradually shifted towards greater size inclusivity. In 2014, Eloquii gained independence, H&M expanded their online size range in 2013, and Target introduced Ava & Viv in 2015. Even Anthropologie joined the plus-size market in 2019. Nevertheless, societal attitudes seemed to regress with the resurgence of Y2K fashion, an obsession with extreme diet culture, and the popularity of weight loss medications in 2023. This transformation clashed with the reality that approximately 68% of American women wear size 14 or above, while only a minuscule percentage of fashion week looks cater to this demographic, driven by fatphobia and sustainability concerns. Mallorie Dunn, the founder of SmartGlamour, recognized this discrepancy and took action. Launching SmartGlamour in 2014, she provided customizable, size-inclusive clothing, aiming to address the issues plaguing the fashion industry, including its exclusivity and discriminatory attitudes. Dunn's dedication extended to her teaching roles at FIT, where she offered courses in small business production and inclusive patternmaking, both of which sought to empower the next generation of designers to create clothing accessible to all. Recognizing that fast fashion, epitomized by brands like Shein, often filled the void for stylish plus-size clothing, Dunn's dual approach held significance. By teaching these techniques, she aimed to catalyze a ripple effect, expanding the choices available to plus-size individuals and liberating them from the constraints of fast fashion. 
September 13, 2023 — Carter Ogden
Plus-Size Female Shoppers ‘Deserve Better’

Plus-Size Female Shoppers ‘Deserve Better’

Even though approximately two-thirds of American women wear a size 14 or larger, the fashion industry continues to neglect and marginalize plus-size women.

The underlying issue is straightforward, and it's not due to higher costs or increased complexity – these justifications have circulated for years. The scarcity of clothing options for plus-size women arises from the misguided assumption made by brands and retailers that larger women will simply accept whatever limited choices are offered, based on historical buying patterns.

As highlighted by Ms. Endicott in her essay, this status quo is no longer acceptable. Women are actively seeking alternative avenues to express their fashion preferences, ensuring that clothing not only accommodates their bodies but also aligns with their unique styles and budgets. These alternatives include making their own garments and seeking out independent designers and boutique establishments.

While there is still a substantial journey ahead, a glimmer of hope emerges. New designers and stores are stepping up to fill the void left by major retailers that tentatively dabble in the plus-size market only to quickly retreat. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the diverse needs and preferences of consumers and signifies a promising move towards greater inclusivity within the fashion industry.

September 07, 2023 — Carter Ogden
The plus-size clothing market

The plus-size clothing market

The plus-size clothing market is booming with a market value of US$ 288 billion, and projections indicate it will surge to an astonishing US$ 501.35 billion by 2033, boasting an impressive 5.7% CAGR. Behind this monumental growth lie several key drivers, including the influential body positivity movement. This movement, which champions inclusivity and celebrates all body shapes, is empowering individuals to love their bodies and demand stylish and attractive clothing options. In this transformative era, fashion norms are evolving to embrace diversity and individuality, prompting designers and retailers to respond to the rising demand for trendy plus-size clothing. Whitney Morgan, a luxury plus-size fashion brand, is leading this charge, offering sophisticated solutions that cater to the fashion-forward desires of plus-size individuals, ensuring they can express their style with confidence.

Consumer awareness within the plus-size community has reached new heights. Plus-size individuals are no longer silent about their fashion needs; they are vocal about their preferences and expectations. They are seeking clothing that not only highlights their unique style but also prioritizes comfort. This growing awareness is fueling the demand for attractive, well-fitting plus-size clothing. Whitney Morgan understands the changing landscape of fashion consumption and is committed to delivering clothing that reflects an elegant and sophisticated style.

September 07, 2023 — Carter Ogden
Back to office!

Back to office!

After over two years of attempting to entice employees back to physical offices, corporate leaders' patience is wearing thin. Gone are the days of tempting workers with perks like complimentary meals, laundry services, and yoga classes. Instead, executives are now resorting to more coercive measures, pushing some employees to weigh the trade-off between retaining the flexibility they've grown accustomed to and complying with these demands. Even technology companies that once championed remote work are shifting their stance; Zoom, whose video conferencing technology facilitated the rapid transition to remote work, now requires employees living within 50 miles of a Zoom office to return at least twice a week, while Facebook parent company Meta has recently revised its return-to-office policy, warning of potential termination for employees who do not attend the office for a minimum of three days a week starting from September 5. This renewed emphasis on in-person work represents a significant pivot as executives openly acknowledge the challenges associated with the remote work model, including productivity concerns and fewer opportunities for spontaneous collaboration, mentorship, and relationship-building. 

If you're looking to update your wardrobe for the return to the office, don't forget to check out some of our stylish back-to-office clothes here: https://whitney-morgan.com/

September 07, 2023 — Carter Ogden