Clothing as a Conversation Starter
Our clothing is a powerful tool that can spark conversations that matter. What we wear gives us the opportunity to direct a superficial compliment into deep discussions on topics that matter to us, especially if we play a part in the design.
2014’s #AskHerMore campaign shone an unflattering light on our culture’s obsession with women’s appearance over their impact, but nearly a decade later, it is still a cultural norm to break the ice with a clothing-based compliment. So what if we take this sticky habit and gracefully turn it to our advantage? What if the problem isn’t the question, but rather the lack of personal meaning we have attached to our clothing? Would it feel different if our outfit had a story to tell?
As a fashion designer, questions about what I am wearing are earnestly entertained because I love talking about my brand. But for those who don’t literally wear their work, thoughtful design choices and the meaning attached can supply a similar opportunity to share their values, occupation, interests, and activities.
A Military Motorcycle Jacket we recently made for luxury real estate agent Renata Reid is a perfect example of this. Her jacket is laden with personal talking points from multiple areas of her life. It is a piece that celebrates her accomplishments and echoes her adventures.
Rose gold aficionados would be intrigued by the hard-to-find hardware choice. Renata was deeply involved in the design process because of her keen eye for detail, honed while she was an interior designer. Perhaps this could prompt a discussion around home design, the school she attended, or mutual connections in the industry.
Because of the from-scratch, personal pattern we created for her, women who find it difficult to find a well-fitting jacket may comment, giving Renata an opportunity to share her passion for supporting small local businesses. Her real estate print advertisements often feature products and services from favourite shops in her community and the jacket is an additional way to spread that love.
The colourful floral lining could be a connection point for travel lovers. During the design process, Renata took a trip to Brazil and the vibrant culture is reflected in the bold colours and playful print.
Houses and fauna add a whimsical touch to the floral design. We made sure that this special detail was placed where it could easily be shared, allowing her to introduce her real estate practice in a fun and memorable way. At networking events, the jacket becomes a sales tool; the perfect segue to discuss her services and current listings, with business cards close at hand for interested inquirers.
Although these examples don’t come close to fully describing the multi-faceted nature of Renata’s life, they do illustrate how easily focus can be shifted from a simple compliment. Whether subtly shown through fit decisions, or clearly expressed in a print motif, every one of our clients can turn their custom jacket or coat into a conversation and harness the power hidden in this cultural convention.
Jacket: Military Motorcycle Jacket, customized with black lambskin, rose gold hardware, floral silk lining, purple piping, an interior pocket with monogram, and a personalized brand label
Makers: Anneke Forbes + Tunde Kolebaba
Embroidery: Julie Macdonald
Photos: Emma Palm
