That the fashion industry is made of immigrants you already know or would know if you have read my blog FASHION IMMIGRANTS, lol (but for real). Also, that the cultural adaptation is something that never ends you already know, or would know if you have read my last blog, lol (but for real!). Something that you probably do not know is the fact that this industry goes further than fashion immigrants, Chinese pattern makers who do not speak any English but have been in America for 30 years (no jokes!), business plans, and marketing strategy. The fashion industry is made of cultural diversity and, even though this sounds pretty cheesy, these cultural diversities help to form the fashion trends and fashion mentality people ‘’breathe” daily.
Fashion is the industry that most incorporates and connects different cultures and lifestyles. If it was not to mix some great punk rock influence with the British monarchy, then please do not call it Alexander McQueen. Also, if we are not supposed to mix a very modern, but chic England, then please do not call it Fendi. This is the only industry where you get to mix a bunch of different styles and end up with something that can be either revolutionary or trendy. That is one proof that fashion not only comes from everywhere, but it is more immigrant than you can see it.
Speaking from my favorite ones, in this order, Dolce & Gabbana (they are still cool in Brazil, I love how they stick to their own shit and they are pretty polemic, so you can imagine why I love those two!), Ives Saint Laurent, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and, obviously, Prada. Where is their biggest inspiration coming from? Ok, Besides D&G whose inspo will always be Italy (patriotic AF!), all of these designers and brands tend to mix elements from rock, chic and contemporary lifestyles. That is one of the things that makes fashion not only based on cultural diversity but is also about bringing communities together.
I keep repeating myself, but it is true: moving to a new country and adapting to a new culture is a work in progress. It never ends! I still suffer from stereotype jokes and still hate them (mostly in silence while mentally punching the person in the face), but what people tend to not see is the fact that the fashion industry, where I get most stereotype jokes, is actually made of immigrants. The seasonal trends we see in this industry and people usually love, buy, and wear comes from the cultural diversity that influenced the biggest designers back in the day (just like Alexander McQueen).
This is how trends happen, this is how this industry moves, and, most of all, this is how people are influenced by fashion. Bringing cultures together. Now, looking for the perspective of someone who would like to have a clothing line or has a clothing line and is thinking about the next collection, please do not forget that you have to be coherent to your branding. If you are developing a new line of clothes and your main marketing is against eating meat, are you going to use real leather on your garments? You know what I mean… No rocket science is needed here, lol (but for real!). The cultural diversity that so many people tend to stereotype actually helps to bring communities together and can help you to connect to your customers.
This industry is not only inspired by different cultures, but it is also moved by the mix of shit, you might not even realize, but technically would not make sense together. Again, Alexander McQueen, mixing punk rock rebels and the British monarchy. Accepting the cultural differences and the fact that this industry is made of immigrants (especially in America) is not only understanding how the fashion business works, but also giving the first step of understanding your customers and your marketing strategies. The stereotype put on immigrants is not only something that can get in your way when you are building your brand, but it is also something that people should rethink before “judging” or making jokes - since that is probably something you do not realize, but you wear daily based on trends and brands you like.
PS: the picture of me, hanging around work at V.Mora and Swift Studios would be very effective since that is not only where I work, but also my favorite place to be, where I built my career and I am very proud/happy to be part of as an immigrant. Also because I love ditching work to take selfies at that amazing space!
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