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Tag: fashion interview

  • Candice Huffine: “Size Does Not Equal Health, and Weight Does Not Equal Worth”

    Candice Huffine: “Size Does Not Equal Health, and Weight Does Not Equal Worth”

    Luvlette
    Luvlette

    Born in Washington DC and raised in a Maryland suburb, Candice Huffine did a little bit of everything when she was growing up, from being captain of the cheerleading squad to taking her turn as a pageant queen.

    “It was ‘typical’ in a Hallmark movie kind of way, I guess,” Huffine tells POPSUGAR. “These details are important to mention because they did influence my life path. I willingly put myself on a stage at every turn — and not always kind ones — to do the things I loved or to follow a dream I had.”

    Huffine, 39, signed her first modeling contract in 2000. She was “determined” to be a model, despite the fashion industry being notoriously discriminatory toward plus-size people. Knowing the odds were stacked against her propelled Huffine even further toward realizing her dream.

    “When I received a contract as a plus-size model, it unlocked a new mission in me: to not pursue modeling just for myself, but to push harder than ever to create change in a place that doesn’t easily open its doors.”

    When she was 15, she went to New York City to visit “countless agencies,” looking to be signed and get straight to work, but the reality wasn’t quite what she had envisioned. “I was very naive and knew nothing about the industry and experienced a lot of rejection,” she recalls. “When I received a contract as a plus-size model, it unlocked a new mission in me: to not pursue modeling just for myself, but to push harder than ever to create change in a place that doesn’t easily open its doors. I wanted to prove I belonged.”

    Now with a decades-long modeling career that’s still going strong, she has done just that. From gracing the cover of Elle in May 2017 to starring in Luvlette‘s latest lingerie campaign, Huffine’s collection of accolades keeps growing.

    Ahead, the model and newlywed — she eloped in Las Vegas on Aug. 25, 2023, marrying her partner Shelly Lynch-Sparks in a custom sheer lace Christian Siriano look — opens up about her trailblazing path, her personal style evolution, and what frustrates her the most about the resurgence of ’90s and ’00s trends.

    Luvlette

    POPSUGAR: What do you enjoy most about being a model?

    Candice Huffine: Truly, I enjoy every single thing. Being a model is something I’ve dreamt of from a very young age. It’s the only thing I said when you asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. What I didn’t know at the time I proclaimed this, though, was how deeply important the job of a model could be. I learned early on that the power of an image could be greater than myself if I was able to be honest and free. I wanted young girls to grow up differently than I did. I wanted them to love what they saw and not be on fad diets in the lunchroom and feel empowered to conquer the world instead of an ideal dress size.

    I learned that my work as a model — in an industry where I was the exception and not the norm — could make an impact and implement change in the representation we were all seeking in fashion and media. I love dressing up, posing, having glam hair and makeup, but let me tell you, making a difference is what I enjoy most. That’s one of the reasons I was so thrilled to partner with an inclusive brand like Luvlette and shoot their campaign with an all-female, empowering team. The brand strives to make people feel confident to love and celebrate their individuality and pure beauty.

    PS: What’s your personal style like now, and how has your personal style evolved over time?

    CH: My personal style is classic and timeless with a bit of flair. While I joke about wearing an abundance of black, it does lend itself to being a perfect canvas to build upon time and time again. I add a pop of something special to a basic look, whether it’s a vintage jacket or a bright bag. The way this approach has evolved over time is I’ve gotten wiser about what I invest in and look for pieces that aren’t just a wild one-time use. This “do it for the picture” approach was not smart for my storage, wallet, or the planet. So, see, with time, my style has become wiser!

    PS: What else can the fashion industry do in regards to plus-size representation?

    CH: Not to be too brief here, but I want to see more. I would love to see more brands, like Luvlette, commit to representing and celebrating individuals of all sizes.

    “Size does not equal health, and weight does not equal worth. You can be curvy and strong and healthy and loved and happy and successful.”

    PS: Are there misconceptions about plus-size models that you want to dispel?

    CH: I think it’s worth repeating, as I’ve worked very hard to express over the whole of my career, that size does not indicate health. Quite a lot of armchair experts and social media doctors seem worried about my well-being, and it makes me laugh. Size does not equal health, and weight does not equal worth. You can be curvy and strong and healthy and loved and happy and successful. Full stop.

    PS: Tell me about a time in your life when you took a step back and felt like, “I’ve made it.”

    CH: I actually do this quite often, especially if I’m on set for a brand, with a model or photographer I idolize, or I am shooting for a brand I used to work [for] in the retail store, or when a friend sends me a picture and their daughter is in front of my billboard. Those all feel like “I’ve made it” moments. I pinch myself often and pause to be grateful.

    PS: Which fashion items are you loving lately, and why?

    CH: I am LOVING loafers, wide-leg jeans, trousers, and sheer everything for day or night — or your wedding day, too. The Luvlette Strapless bra in black is the perfect foundation piece to show off under mesh and lace tops.

    PS: What’s your perfect day off?

    CS: The perfect day off would be a great cup of coffee (bonus points if it’s from my shop One Trick Pony), a long walk on the beach on a perfectly sunny and crisp day with my wife and our dogs, antiquing, oysters, a glass of wine at a vineyard, a home-cooked meal, and a game of cards by the fire.

    PS: Which ’90s and ’00s fashion trends do you keep in rotation? How do you update them for 2024?

    CH: I am a big fan of this ’90s and ’00s resurgence, but am so frustrated I have to buy it all again as most of the pieces I am wearing now, I had the exact copy of in high school. At least my signature style has remained consistent! Either way, I’m back in my Nike Dunks, baggy Calvin Klein Jeans, and, dare I say, crop tees. I try to elevate and update my throwback look and make it [contemporary] by adding luxe gold jewelry, a leather purse, and a nice jacket/layering piece. In the ’00s, I feel like I never wore jackets. Now it’s all about chic boxy blazers and trenches.

    PS: What’s your self-care routine like?

    CH: My self-care routine is very important both physically and mentally. It consists of regular fitness, something I have admittedly fallen out of routine until recently. I am excited to be starting over, doing things I love like running, and newly introducing Pilates. While it also consists of things like getting great sleep, or carving out time to do skin care, etc., another aspect is honoring my needs by learning to step back, say no, and slow down when necessary. Sheet masks and social battery recharging are equal partners in self-care.

    Mekita Rivas

    Source link

  • Candice Huffine: “Size Does Not Equal Health, and Weight Does Not Equal Worth” – POPSUGAR Australia

    Candice Huffine: “Size Does Not Equal Health, and Weight Does Not Equal Worth” – POPSUGAR Australia

    Image Source: Luvlette

    Born in Washington DC and raised in a Maryland suburb, Candice Huffine did a little bit of everything when she was growing up, from being captain of the cheerleading squad to taking her turn as a pageant queen.

    “It was ‘typical’ in a Hallmark movie kind of way, I guess,” Huffine tells POPSUGAR. “These details are important to mention because they did influence my life path. I willingly put myself on a stage at every turn – and not always kind ones – to do the things I loved or to follow a dream I had.”

    Huffine, 39, signed her first modeling contract in 2000. She was “determined” to be a model, despite the fashion industry being notoriously discriminatory toward plus-size people. Knowing the odds were stacked against her propelled Huffine even further toward realizing her dream.

    “When I received a contract as a plus-size model, it unlocked a new mission in me: to not pursue modeling just for myself, but to push harder than ever to create change in a place that doesn’t easily open its doors.”

    When she was 15, she went to New York City to visit “countless agencies,” looking to be signed and get straight to work, but the reality wasn’t quite what she had envisioned. “I was very naive and knew nothing about the industry and experienced a lot of rejection,” she recalls. “When I received a contract as a plus-size model, it unlocked a new mission in me: to not pursue modeling just for myself, but to push harder than ever to create change in a place that doesn’t easily open its doors. I wanted to prove I belonged.”

    Now with a decades-long modeling career that’s still going strong, she has done just that. From gracing the cover of Elle in May 2017 to starring in Luvlette‘s latest lingerie campaign, Huffine’s collection of accolades keeps growing.

    Ahead, the model and newlywed – she eloped in Las Vegas on Aug. 25, 2023, marrying her partner Shelly Lynch-Sparks in a custom sheer lace Christian Siriano look – opens up about her trailblazing path, her personal style evolution, and what frustrates her the most about the resurgence of ’90s and ’00s trends.

    Image Source: Luvlette

    POPSUGAR: What do you enjoy most about being a model?

    Candice Huffine: Truly, I enjoy every single thing. Being a model is something I’ve dreamt of from a very young age. It’s the only thing I said when you asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. What I didn’t know at the time I proclaimed this, though, was how deeply important the job of a model could be. I learned early on that the power of an image could be greater than myself if I was able to be honest and free. I wanted young girls to grow up differently than I did. I wanted them to love what they saw and not be on fad diets in the lunchroom and feel empowered to conquer the world instead of an ideal dress size.

    I learned that my work as a model – in an industry where I was the exception and not the norm – could make an impact and implement change in the representation we were all seeking in fashion and media. I love dressing up, posing, having glam hair and makeup, but let me tell you, making a difference is what I enjoy most. That’s one of the reasons I was so thrilled to partner with an inclusive brand like Luvlette and shoot their campaign with an all-female, empowering team. The brand strives to make people feel confident to love and celebrate their individuality and pure beauty.

    PS: What’s your personal style like now, and how has your personal style evolved over time?

    CH: My personal style is classic and timeless with a bit of flair. While I joke about wearing an abundance of black, it does lend itself to being a perfect canvas to build upon time and time again. I add a pop of something special to a basic look, whether it’s a vintage jacket or a bright bag. The way this approach has evolved over time is I’ve gotten wiser about what I invest in and look for pieces that aren’t just a wild one-time use. This “do it for the picture” approach was not smart for my storage, wallet, or the planet. So, see, with time, my style has become wiser!

    PS: What else can the fashion industry do in regards to plus-size representation?

    CH: Not to be too brief here, but I want to see more. I would love to see more brands, like Luvlette, commit to representing and celebrating individuals of all sizes.

    “Size does not equal health, and weight does not equal worth. You can be curvy and strong and healthy and loved and happy and successful.”

    PS: Are there misconceptions about plus-size models that you want to dispel?

    CH: I think it’s worth repeating, as I’ve worked very hard to express over the whole of my career, that size does not indicate health. Quite a lot of armchair experts and social media doctors seem worried about my well-being, and it makes me laugh. Size does not equal health, and weight does not equal worth. You can be curvy and strong and healthy and loved and happy and successful. Full stop.

    PS: Tell me about a time in your life when you took a step back and felt like, “I’ve made it.”

    CH: I actually do this quite often, especially if I’m on set for a brand, with a model or photographer I idolize, or I am shooting for a brand I used to work [for] in the retail store, or when a friend sends me a picture and their daughter is in front of my billboard. Those all feel like “I’ve made it” moments. I pinch myself often and pause to be grateful.

    PS: Which fashion items are you loving lately, and why?

    CH: I am LOVING loafers, wide-leg jeans, trousers, and sheer everything for day or night – or your wedding day, too. The Luvlette Strapless bra in black is the perfect foundation piece to show off under mesh and lace tops.

    PS: What’s your perfect day off?

    CS: The perfect day off would be a great cup of coffee (bonus points if it’s from my shop One Trick Pony), a long walk on the beach on a perfectly sunny and crisp day with my wife and our dogs, antiquing, oysters, a glass of wine at a vineyard, a home-cooked meal, and a game of cards by the fire.

    PS: Which ’90s and ’00s fashion trends do you keep in rotation? How do you update them for 2024?

    CH: I am a big fan of this ’90s and ’00s resurgence, but am so frustrated I have to buy it all again as most of the pieces I am wearing now, I had the exact copy of in high school. At least my signature style has remained consistent! Either way, I’m back in my Nike Dunks, baggy Calvin Klein Jeans, and, dare I say, crop tees. I try to elevate and update my throwback look and make it [contemporary] by adding luxe gold jewelry, a leather purse, and a nice jacket/layering piece. In the ’00s, I feel like I never wore jackets. Now it’s all about chic boxy blazers and trenches.

    PS: What’s your self-care routine like?

    CH: My self-care routine is very important both physically and mentally. It consists of regular fitness, something I have admittedly fallen out of routine until recently. I am excited to be starting over, doing things I love like running, and newly introducing Pilates. While it also consists of things like getting great sleep, or carving out time to do skin care, etc., another aspect is honoring my needs by learning to step back, say no, and slow down when necessary. Sheet masks and social battery recharging are equal partners in self-care.

    Related: 15 Pieces of Lingerie to Add to Your Cart

    Mekita-rivas

    Source link

  • Maya Winston on the Inspiration Behind His Luxury Handbags and Maintaining Cultural Identity

    Maya Winston on the Inspiration Behind His Luxury Handbags and Maintaining Cultural Identity

    Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

    The 2020 racial reckonings heightened awareness across many industries, especially fashion, ushering in a new era where BIPOC designers were supported and given the voice they deserve. This push paved the way for more Black-owned brands to emerge on the scene, and one newcomer has managed to set themselves apart from the rest — Maya Winston. In just one year of business, the Jamaican-born designer, now based in New York City, has created a luxury accessory label that’s known for its viral handbags uniquely crafted in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East, including their small leather tote, most popularly worn by Angela Simmons, Tia Mowry, and Remy Ma.

    “It’s just those Jamaican roots; we can make anything fashionable.”

    Winston has since catapulted into the luxury bag market with a brand identity that’s just as rich as the quality of his pieces. At 11, he migrated with his family to the US, where he learned firsthand how to sew from his mother, a sought-after seamstress, establishing the foundation of the Maya Winston brand. “Growing up in Jamaica, my mom was always making everyone’s clothes, and as far as I could think back, I’ve always been surrounded by sewing machines, where I would often stitch my uniform whenever I messed it up,” Winston tells POPSUGAR. “It’s just those Jamaican roots; we can make anything fashionable. Take nothing and make it into something.”

    With over a decade spent cultivating his love for design (even starting the men’s streetwear line Terry Winston in 2013, once worn by Teyana Taylor), the Bronx native transitioned to creating accessories for the elevated and confident woman, regardless of demographic. His highly-coveted bags have also captured the attention of major companies like Samsung, which resulted in an exclusive collaboration during New York Fashion Week that included a fireside chat with Winston and a billboard in Times Square. “I always told myself, I’m going to have a billboard one day. But I never stopped to think about what it would look like or its message,” he says. “It was surreal, and Samsung was the perfect company to get consumers to know the face behind the name; it just made sense.”

    Ahead, Winston opens up about the future of his brand, cultural identity, the impact of racial inclusivity, and more. Keep reading for the full interview and shop his signature pieces.

    Naomi Parris

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  • The “Selling Sunset” Cast Defends Their Over-the-Top Office Outfits

    The “Selling Sunset” Cast Defends Their Over-the-Top Office Outfits

    With each season of Netflix’s “Selling Sunset,” the cast’s wardrobes grow bolder and more memorable. Now, on Season 7, the cast doesn’t fail to deliver when it comes to over-the-top fashion, from Chelsea Lazkani to Chrishell Stause. The “Selling Sunset” outfits are famously dressy — think 7-inch heels worn to open houses — and sometimes they’re even borderline outrageous (namely, Lazkani’s viral vagina purse).

    In fact, Lazkani put it best when it comes to styling her memorable looks for the show. “When you’re on a cast with a number of ladies and you all have different body types, you’ve got to know what your best assets are,” she told POPSUGAR, adding: “I’m not 5’9″ like the rest of the girls, I’m 5’5″, but you may think that I’m a lot taller than I am because I show off the parts of me that are flattering. I think everything is about angles and knowing what works for you.”

    It’s safe to say the rest of the women on the cast — including Heather Rae El Moussa and Mary Fitzgerald — all abide by that rule. Keep reading for everything to know about the “Selling Sunset” outfits.

    Where does the “Selling Sunset” cast get their outfits? Does the “Selling Sunset” cast wear their own clothes?

    While most castmates simply shop their own closet, Emma Hernan did collaborate with creative consultant Kendall Finzer for her wardrobe of thigh-high slits and monochrome suit sets.

    In season 5, former castmate Christine Quinn worked with stylist Kat Gosik on her eye-catching looks. (In May 2023, Quinn alleged that “Selling Sunset” producers pressured the cast to adhere to a revealing dress code. Netflix, Lionsgate, and Done and Done Productions did not immediately respond to POPSUGAR’s request for comment.)

    Does the “Selling Sunset” cast actually dress like that?

    Yes, the “Selling Sunset” cast dresses the same in real life, whether they’re going to the office at The Oppenheim Group for a meeting or hosting an open house. “Anything can be office wear these days,” says Chrishell Stause. “Add a blazer to that cute dress and you are ready to go.” Likewise, traditional office wear simply isn’t Lazkani’s aesthetic of choice. “I don’t actually feel comfortable in those tailored suit pants that women traditionally wear in business settings, so I choose not to wear them,” she said. “I prefer to wear a cute dress and a blazer.”

    Ahead, the women of “Selling Sunset” break down their personal style philosophies for POPSUGAR. Keep scrolling to read our exclusive interviews and to see outfits from the best seasons of “Selling Sunset.”

    Sarah Wasilak

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  • La La Anthony and Kahlana Barfield Brown on Celebrating HBCUs and Black Designers

    La La Anthony and Kahlana Barfield Brown on Celebrating HBCUs and Black Designers

    The fashion world has made incredible strides when it comes to championing inclusivity, especially for Black designers. Long gone are the days when an industry titan like André Leon Talley was the only Black person in the room at a runway show. Though there’s still a long way to go, the Black community is gaining more visibility in fashion, from editors and stylists to designers. In fact, some of the most anticipated collection debuts and runway shows are from Black-owned brands, like Christopher John Rogers, Theophilio, Harbison, and Sergio Hudson. Even Bridal Fashion Week has welcomed names like Hanifa and Andrea Osei Bride to great acclaim. This past New York Fashion Week season gave us another era-defining moment on the journey to more representation: the Big Motion HBCU Runway in partnership with UPS.

    “The goal is not only to spotlight the incredible talent emerging from our institutions but also enrich the fashion world with fresh perspectives, diverse voices, and a commitment to inclusivity that the industry needs.”

    Three HBCU alumni designers showcased their collections using $150,000 in small-business grants from UPS: Nola McEachin and Shaq Robotham of The Brand Label, Undra Duncan of Undra Celeste New York, and Chelsea Grays for her eponymous label. Celebrities like actor La La Anthony, who attended Howard University, showed support from the front row. “Everyone needs a platform to showcase their work, so it’s something I wanted to get behind,” she told POPSUGAR. “To see such a huge partner like UPS put money into these designers in front of all the movers and shakers of New York was really a moment. You can have a great product, you can have great whatever, but you need the exposure and you need the eyes on it.”

    Fashion and beauty expert and editor Kahlana Barfield Brown, a proud Howard University graduate, was on hand to help select and mentor the show’s designers. “The goal is not only to spotlight the incredible talent emerging from our institutions but also enrich the fashion world with fresh perspectives, diverse voices, and a commitment to inclusivity that the industry needs,” she said.

    In the spirit of HBCU homecoming season, we spoke to Anthony and Barfield Brown about their experiences at Howard University and their hopes for the future of fashion.

    Related:

    3 Black Fashion Designers Reflect on the Years Since the 2020 Racial Reckoning

    Naomi Parris

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  • Priyanka Chopra Reveals Why She’s Been Wearing So Many Crop Tops

    Priyanka Chopra Reveals Why She’s Been Wearing So Many Crop Tops

    As an award-winning actor, producer, winner of the Miss World 2000 pageant, and mom to daughter Malti, Priyanka Chopra is well-suited to teach a master class. Marshalls tapped her for its first-ever Good Stuff Social Club program, which will take place in NYC on Oct. 20 and 21, and Chopra will lead a course called “Lessons For Getting the Good Stuff in Life.”

    “I create space in my life for me to be able to wear my attitude, which could be good, bad, or ugly.”

    The 41-year-old star will discuss everything from self-worth and wellness to financial planning and career development at the free, two-day event. At the ticketed session, for which sign-ups are on a first-come, first-serve basis, Chopra will be styling an outfit from Marshalls. “Marshalls has amazing clothes and such a variety of brands,” she told POPSUGAR over the phone. “I’m going to find something that makes me feel powerful, stylish, fashion forward, but at the same time confident.”

    One trend that makes Chopra feel confident is crop tops, though at one point, she was hesitant to wear abbreviated shirts. “I was training for a movie recently, and I had a reintroduction with my abs after a long time,” she explained. “I hadn’t been confident about wearing crop tops and stuff like that.” However, she ultimately had a change of heart. “I wasn’t sure when I was walking out the door, but I was like, ‘Alright, I’m going to push myself.’ And then eventually I turned around and added that into my wardrobe a lot more.”

    In an exclusive interview with POPSUGAR ahead, she elaborates on her partnership with Marshalls and explains why her personal style journey has first and foremost been based on feeling.

    Sarah Wasilak

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  • Remi Bader Says This Is What Brands at Fashion Week Are Doing Wrong

    Remi Bader Says This Is What Brands at Fashion Week Are Doing Wrong

    At times, inclusivity in fashion can feel forced. That’s why entrepreneur and social media sensation Remi Bader is using her platform to enact real change in the industry. Beyond her videos that show her styling outfits from her favorite plus-size retailers, she continues to be a leader in the design space by creating collections for Revolve that go up to size 4X.

    Unsurprisingly, this range of sizes isn’t commonplace in the market, so in an effort to reach decision-makers, business owners, and the fashion industry as a whole, she attended this year’s MAGIC Fashion Trade Show in Las Vegas — which is the largest of its kind and has been taking place for 30 years. “It was a very full-circle moment because my dad, who is in the garment center, has been attending MAGIC for years,” she tells POPSUGAR. “I went with him when I was young, and to have this opportunity to speak meant a lot to me. I am truly passionate about reshaping the fashion industry, and being able to speak at the world’s biggest fashion trade show was an amazing opportunity and an honor.”

    Bader joined brands such as Free People, Nordstrom, and ASOS, alongside notable guests such as Martha Stewart and Dixie D’Amelio. Scroll on for more of her insight about size inclusivity in fashion, her design philosophy, and the leading style trends she’s loving right now.

    Isis Briones

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  • Christian Cowan on Sending Disco Balls and Plastic Bottles Down the Runway

    Christian Cowan on Sending Disco Balls and Plastic Bottles Down the Runway

    Ahead of his buzzy Paris Fashion Week debut, Cowan hosted an exclusive preview of look 50 from his spring 2024 show, a two-piece set made in part using upcycled plastic from empty Core Hydration bottles. The ensemble includes an off-the-shoulder crop top and a hip-baring, low-rise skirt.

    “Paillettes and sequins have always been a big part of my brand’s history, and we’ve always really tried our best to find suppliers who do recycled plastic sequins,” he says. “But then I saw this article saying apparently, a bunch of those suppliers lie and they say it’s recycled, but it’s not.” And so, Cowan set out to find an alternative.

    “I was like, we should make paillettes out of these bottles,” he recalls. “Because I cut one off and I love that if you cut the circle, it’s got a natural curve to it that gives just more of a feathery feel to the embellishment.”

    Reusing materials is important to Cowan, whose father regularly brought environmental issues to their everyday conversations. “My father was a glaciologist, someone who studies glaciers,” he shares. “Environmental impact was a huge, huge topic of my entire upbringing all the time. I always want to be as sustainable as possible.”

    In addition to minimizing his brand’s environmental impact, Cowan is focused on evolving as a designer without losing the essence of his eponymous label. “What I love is our customers, when I see them wearing our clothes, they’re always laughing and smiling and just doing poses,” he says. “And I love that it gives that kind of power to whoever’s wearing it. I would never want to leave that energy no matter what heights the brand grows to — I always want to be a joyful brand.”

    Mekita Rivas

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  • Meet the Founders — and Designers — Behind South Asian New York Fashion Week

    Meet the Founders — and Designers — Behind South Asian New York Fashion Week

    POPSUGAR: What makes South Asian fashion stand out? Can you speak on the artistry and why it deserves more attention on a global scale?

    Shipra Sharma: We’ve all seen these heavy-beaded crystal work outfits at South Asian weddings, but I think a lot of the simpler embroidery and printing styles don’t get as much credit in the world like block printing, phulkari embroidery, and hand printing, each specific to the region it originated from.

    Hetal Patel: With block printing, the actual symbols or the actual shapes that they will use differs between the indigenous tribes.

    South Asian fashion isn’t only the decked-out bridal wear or what’s shown in Bollywood movies; there’s space for understated pieces. The most important thing about holding a platform like this is recognizing that there are so many different genres: there’s leisure wear, there’s street style, there’s resort wear, etc.

    People are finally recognizing that every region has very different prints, art, fabric, culture, living style, even like a simple drape. We learned this with the Untitle by Nikita Shah presentation and sari draping demo. She made a very good point that even the way that you drape a simple cotton sari will differ region by region.

    PS: We know that Indo-Western or Indo-fusion wear merges the worlds of traditional South Asian styling or textiles with a more modern approach to design. What is your take on Indo-fusion or Indo-Western wear?

    SS: You see people taking their mom’s saris, lehengas, and suits and creating blazers and jackets and other outfits that they will wear on a day-to-day basis.

    HP: Several of the designers in our season two lineup exemplify this and are pushing the envelope, including Maison Tai, Babougie, and Svarini. They are taking these fabrics, and they’re creating the silhouette that truly is Indo-fusion, whether it’s incorporating different block prints and utilizing pleats, slits, and innovative cuts or using the corset as an inspiration. I think everyone is moving towards a different definition of what Indo-Western is, that it’s not just taking a lehenga, putting on a T-shirt, and wearing some jhumkas [a type of earring style].

    Anvita Reddy

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  • TikTok Star April Lockhart Is Expanding the World of Adaptive Fashion

    TikTok Star April Lockhart Is Expanding the World of Adaptive Fashion

    Until recently, adaptive fashion — specially designed clothing for people who have difficulty dressing themselves — has been little more than a legend in the disabled community. Thanks to fashion content creators like April Lockhart, however, conversations surrounding the need for accessible fashion have transcended the hypothetical realm of “maybe someday.” In making their voices heard, Lockhart and her fellow disabled fashion influencers have laid the groundwork for an adaptive fashion revolution.

    A self-described “disabled fashion girlie,” Lockhart, who was born with amniotic band syndrome, has spent nearly two years fostering an online community for disabled people to share their stories in the context of fashion. “Disabilities are so different within the sphere of the disabled community,” Lockhart tells POPSUGAR. “My disability can be so vastly different than someone else’s, which is cool because we can relate on the common ground that we share something different. But also, I can learn so much about what they’re going through; they can learn what I’m going through.”

    “Now, in general, I’m very open and comfortable with my hand and my body.”

    After years of hiding her limb difference from her followers, Lockhart challenged herself to step outside of her comfort zone. In January 2022, she started her series “Normalizing Disabled Fashion Girlies,” which aimed to promote disability pride through a fashion lens.

    “[It] sort of stemmed out of this personal itch I’d been having for a while,” she says. “I was born with a limb difference; I don’t have my fully formed left hand, and [the series] was kind of birthed out of New Year’s resolutions.” For many social media users who came across her content, simply seeing someone with a disability in the fashion space was new. Still, the comments Lockhart received were overwhelmingly positive. “Now, in general, I’m very open and comfortable with my hand and my body,” she adds.

    Since launching that series, Lockhart’s social media platform has become a safe space for conversations about disability pride. She continues, “That kind of launched me into a new season of life and confidence in general, and it’s been a cool journey for me to be on. I’m sure that anybody can relate to the fact that self-esteem is such a journey and we go through waves of feeling comfortable with ourselves and then feeling like we’re starting all over again. I think that’s just being human.”

    Personally, the connections Lockhart has made as a result of her online candor have been invaluable. Professionally, her platform has given her opportunities to influence the scope of adaptive fashion, a long-term objective she’s eager to see through.

    April Lockhart

    While adaptive clothing does exist in niche retail spaces, function largely takes precedence over fashion. For avid shoppers in the disabled community — for whom little beats the thrill of securing a sleek, new pair of Doc Martens or the perfect pair of denim — the joy of finding a sartorial treasure can often be spoiled if the pieces they’re searching for aren’t adaptive. Of course, for some, there are a few workarounds. “I, at the end of the day, will always go for fashion over function,” Lockhart says. “I will figure out a way; I will make my husband button the dress for me if it’s the dress I want; I will find a way to wear it.”

    “I think some of the swaps are easier than people think, and then you’re not sacrificing the style.”

    Lockhart’s TikTok and Instagram videos support this resolve for style. In between takes of herself trying on kaleidoscopic dresses or thrifted sweaters, her husband’s hands occasionally pop into the frame to assist with a zipper or an inconveniently placed clasp. Some people, though, require varying levels of assistance to get dressed, which is where adaptive clothing comes into play.

    Adaptive clothing is not a new concept. For decades, specialized brands have created clothing with more accessible features: velcro closures instead of buttons, magnetic closures, tagless clothing, one-handed zippers, shoes without laces, and pieces made from sensitive fabrics. But while adaptive clothing like this can be tracked down, it’s not readily available at mainstream retailers. This means many people in the disabled community do not have access to this clothing, and those that do have strong feelings about the medical look and feel of the garments.

    “I would love to be in the rooms [with designers], trying things on and saying, ‘This doesn’t really work,’ or ‘This does work,’ or ‘This makes my life a lot easier,’” Lockhart says of developing clothing that is both functional and fashionable. “I think the thing that most of the disabled community can resonate with, too, is we’ve figured things out over the years on our own for sure, but there are definitely ways to make things a lot easier.”

    Though brands have had decades to reshape their sales models to be more intentionally inclusive of the disabled community, little progress has been made. Some notable brands — including Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, UGG and Zappos Adaptive, Aerie, and Skims — have made strides in the adaptive fashion industry, but, as Lockhart points out, “there’s always room for improvement.”

    “There’s a huge part of the disabled community that loves fashion,” says Lockhart, who made her runway debut while wearing Victoria’s Secret at Runway of Dreams during New York Fashion Week this September. “I think some of the swaps are easier than people think, and then you’re not sacrificing the style.”

    In terms of immediate next steps, Lockhart hopes to see more big-name fashion brands adopt a business model that considers disabled people in every aspect of product development. By naturally integrating disabled models in marketing ads and runway shows, retailers can take the first step to becoming part of the adaptive fashion conversation. Additionally, Lockhart says, clothing brands can provide adaptive alternatives to existing staple pieces and release capsule collections made in smaller quantities to meet the needs of their disabled shoppers.

    “They can take pieces that we’re all wearing anyway and find ways to make easy, adaptive swaps,” Lockhart says. “I would love to see brands put the effort into it, and I think I’m seeing a few brands start to have those conversations behind the scenes. Maybe it’s six months or a year from now, but I think we’ll start to see it more.”

    Chanel Vargas

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  • The “How to Dress to Attract a Man” TikTok Trend Is Dismantling the Male Gaze

    The “How to Dress to Attract a Man” TikTok Trend Is Dismantling the Male Gaze

    If you need a refresher on the basics of sarcasm, the latest TikTok fashion challenge has you covered. Creators on the app are sharing tutorials for “how to dress to attract a man,” complete with wild outfit ideas that aren’t quite what you’d expect. The trend was started by 37-year-old Veronica Shavie, who posted a now-viral tutorial back in January. “Rule No. 1: make sure your hair is always long and lustrous and never put up,” she begins, setting the satirical tone by flashing her messy bun hairstyle.

    “There is so much freedom and joy in completely rejecting patriarchal rules about how women should dress, speak, and behave.”

    Shavie goes on to offer four more style tips for winning over men, doing the exact opposite of each one as the video continues. For rule No. 3 (“footwear should be dainty and delicate”), she zooms in on her chunky Dr. Martens combat boots, and rule No. 4 (“show off that waist at all times”) prompts her to show off an oversize band tee. “I got dressed and thought, this is a badass outfit and it breaks every conventional style rule,” Shavie tells POPSUGAR of what inspired her to create that first video. “I hope the message is that there is so much freedom and joy in completely rejecting patriarchal rules about how women should dress, speak, and behave.”

    Since then, more than 9,000 TikTokers — including celebrities like Summer Walker, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hayley Kiyoko — have used her audio to create similar tutorials that give a big middle finger to the male gaze. The trend has taken on a life of its own, with some users incorporating absurd accessories like roller skates, Halloween masks, cardboard boxes, pool floats, and tutus to really drive home the point: wear whatever the hell you want, men be damned.

    In total, the trend has amassed millions of views across TikTok, and Shavie says she’s “not surprised” that her message is resonating. “I think women are tired!” she says. “Tired of being told everything must be flattering. Tired of being told that we should alter ourselves in some way to be more palatable and desirable to men. Tired of performative inclusivity.”

    It certainly struck a chord with actor and TV host Lilly Singh, who dropped her own “how to attract a man” fashion tutorial on Sept. 5 alongside a lengthy caption. “I don’t know if you can relate, but this trend hits a deep place in my soul,” she wrote on TikTok. “Perhaps because one of my earliest videos was ‘How to be the perfect Brown girl,’ which made commentary on the lengths women have to go to be accepted and desired. And even though I laugh at videos like this, the truth is, growing up I did spend a lot of time and effort into trying to be desirable.” She concluded her post, “Y’all a bunch of baddies. I love women. And I love being a woman.”

    For Shavie, the trend’s mass appeal proves positive change is afoot. “There is a shift happening. We are taking back our power, our bodies and presenting in whatever way feels authentic to us.” What’s not to love about that? Watch some of our favorite tutorials ahead, and create your own “how to dress to attract a man” TikTok to get in on the fun.

    Victoria Messina

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  • Law Roach on Stepping Into Creative Direction at the Falguni Shane Peacock Show

    Law Roach on Stepping Into Creative Direction at the Falguni Shane Peacock Show

    Feathers, sequins, gems, prints: Falguni Shane Peacock is known for bringing glamour and opulence to the global fashion space with Indian craftsmanship and contemporary silhouettes. Their New York Fashion Week Spring 2024 show combined those house codes with a quintessential New York City flair, thanks to creative direction by image architect Law Roach. In collaboration with Roach, the husband-and-wife design duo was excited to make their grand return to NYFW after 8 years, with Shane Peacock previously telling POPSUGAR, “When we left off, the passion was at a very different level; it was still a delicate, couture kind of a vibe. Showing at New York Fashion Week today, it’s more street.” It’s with that vision in mind that the Peacocks brought on Law Roach to creative direct their “2.0” Spring 2024 collection.

    The designers, who count Priyanka Chopra and Sarah Jessica Parker as fans, saw Roach as a perfect fit. “As a brand, we’re very rebellious, we’re luxury, we’re young, and I think that goes with Law,” Shane Peacock told POPSUGAR after the show. “He has a great sense of style, great sense of creative direction, and that’s what we needed for the brand.” Falguni Peacock also raved about Law’s singular sense of style, explaining: “We wanted to have couture meet street, and he just had the right vision for it.”

    Roach found the creative director role invigorating, noting that the process was collaborative from start to finish. “I wasn’t just given a bunch of clothes, I’m gonna put them on a bunch of girls,” he explained. “It was like, ‘what is your opinion on this?’ I sent references. We went back and forth. We fought a little. Shane and I, we fought a little, but I won in the end. But I was a part of the whole process and I think that’s what being a creative director is.”

    Keep scrolling to learn more about the inspiration behind the Falguni Shane Peacock Spring 2024 collection — from hair to design — and Roach’s role in bringing it all to life.

    Anvita Reddy

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  • Rita Ora Gave Me Her Best Advice on Wearing a Naked Dress

    Rita Ora Gave Me Her Best Advice on Wearing a Naked Dress

    On the day Rita Ora reveals her Primark collection to the world, she’s wearing the gray acid-wash denim set, consisting of a boxy moto jacket and matching miniskirt with an asymmetrical zipper down the front. She styles the co-ords with leather thigh-high boots, several chunky rings, and a fluffy shopper, one of the signature accessories in the 169-piece collection. It’s clear she’s familiar with them all as she singles out members of her design team at the NYC launch party who are also decked head to toe in Rita Ora x Primark, beckoning them to pose for the crowd. One such look is a tan three-piece pantsuit, my favorite that I’ve seen so far. But the rest of the lineup is easily accessible to me, displayed on racks for guests to sift through and even try on.

    The 32-year-old musician has spent two years dreaming up the versatile, season-less, affordable range that emits ’90s grunge and her own brand of sex appeal. “It was a combination of the friendship that I created with the CEOs and spontaneously being at the same restaurant,” Ora tells me after the intimate preview, when I ask how the collab came to be in the first place. As it turns out, her genuine love for the brand began with early shopping trips to her local Primark in Hammersmith, West London, when she considered herself an everyday fashion fan who didn’t want to break the bank. “It was such a great opportunity to reconnect to my roots, respect the journey that I’ve been on, and understand the customers, because I was one of them,” she says.

    Codesigned by Primark and Ora, alongside emerging London-based designer Jawara Alleyne — and styled by Rita’s personal stylist, Pippa Atkinson — the wardrobe staples allow the singer’s fans to re-create her famous aesthetic on any budget. It’s no surprise that as soon as the first drop was manufactured, Ora began weaving items into her outfits, slowly building suspense and teasing her followers about what was to come. All the while, the accompanying campaign was being shot in Trellick Tower and around Golborne Road in West London, where Ora grew up. “Keeping it really real was all I cared about. That’s the reason I joined with Primark in the first place, so it only made sense to go back to where it all began,” she explains.

    Available on Sept. 19 in all 430-plus of Primark’s stores, the international collaboration — starting at $5 for clothing and accessories, $28 for outerwear, and $20 for footwear — will be available to browse on primark.com, with the option to use a stock checker before heading out to shop. It also prioritizes circularity and sustainability, with two-thirds of the pieces crafted from recycled materials. Ahead, Ora joins POPSUGAR for an exclusive interview about launching the fashion line.

    Sarah Wasilak

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  • What It’s Like to Photograph Naomi Campbell and Teyana Taylor For the Pirelli Calendar

    What It’s Like to Photograph Naomi Campbell and Teyana Taylor For the Pirelli Calendar

    The 2024 Pirelli calendar focuses on the idea of timelessness and stars iconic figures such as Naomi Campbell, Angela Bassett, Idris Elba, Teyana Taylor, Amanda Gorman, and, most significantly, King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The year marks the 25th anniversary of the Ashanti Kingdom, and the King’s image reflects the celebration of his reign. With all photos taken by artist Prince Gyasi in London and Ghana, Gyasi’s hometown, each shoot grew increasingly exciting for him — especially since he looks up to so many of the celebrities he worked with on set, some of whom are old friends. As a self-taught visual artist who shot his first photographs on an old iPhone at 16, Gyasi’s signature work is personal, powerful, and revolves around the idea of community. His unique aesthetic is described as a “journey into color,” and he’s worked with impactful brands and publications like Balmain, Converse, GQ, and Vanity Fair.

    When Gyasi talked to POPSUGAR about the Pirelli experience, he explained that he settled on a theme for the renowned calendar by looking within himself. “I used to look up to these people. I can never deny the fact that they helped me take out the roof above me and escape any limitations,” he said, continuing, “When I approached this, I was thinking about people who defy time, like basically those who don’t exist in time, because they are timeless. They have this God-given gift that they’re able to maneuver through this earth at a different speed. You would think that they’re not normal human beings, but they are because of the consistency, hard work, determination, and passion they have for what they do. That’s why they are where they are.”

    Ahead, Gyasi dives into specific instances of camaraderie he experienced on set and discusses his own bucket list for his career. Enjoy behind-the-scenes photos from the 2024 Pirelli shoot as you read about Gyasi’s perspective on the project and wait patiently for the official imagery to launch ahead of the new calendar year.

    Sarah Wasilak

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  • Streetwear Pioneer April Walker Reflects on Her Decades-Long Hip-Hop Legacy

    Streetwear Pioneer April Walker Reflects on Her Decades-Long Hip-Hop Legacy

    Kelvin Bulluck
    Kelvin Bulluck

    The fashion industry owes a great deal to hip-hop. The rich music genre turned global force has inarguably transformed pop culture in its 50-year history, but its impact can be equally seen gliding down runways and etched into the fabric of luxury fashion brands like Dior, Gucci, MCM, and Louis Vuitton thanks to streetwear — better known as urban fashion or hip-hop’s signature style. It’s been rooted in hip-hop culture for decades now, boasting an estimated market value of $187.58 billion today (via Yahoo! Finance), and that figure is expected to increase well into the next decade. However, it couldn’t be reached without the pioneers who created the culture-shifting blueprint for the fashion industry — like trailblazing designer April Walker.

    Walker is among the class of fashion innovators who paved the way for modern streetwear brands, designers, entrepreneurs, and stylists to thrive abundantly. Though the 57-year-old pioneer’s name is spoken in unison, her boundless creativity, business acumen, and intuitive thinking place her in a league of her own. Early on, Walker knew she didn’t want to work for anyone in the industry, so the then-21-year-old entrepreneur used her artistry to fill a void that would later become a billion-dollar industry.

    “I didn’t think about what I couldn’t do.”

    “We were already remixing our own clothes by airbrushing, and acrylic painting, and bling blinging, and bleaching them. But we couldn’t go in the stores and buy anything that reflected the lifestyle,” Walker recalls to POPSUGAR of streetwear’s origin story.

    In 1987, Walker opened her first shop, called Fashion In Effect, during her junior year at SUNY New Paltz. Her atelier soon became a magnet for hip-hop culture, attracting graffiti artists, dancers, rappers, and hustlers to 212 Greene Avenue — located in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY — to both buy clothes and exchange ideas. It also brought about exciting new opportunities for the founder. When hip-hop duo Audio Two walked into Fashion In Effect seeking a Brooklyn-based stylist, Walker agreed and styled the cover for their 1990 “I Don’t Care” album. Unafraid to learn on the job, she then accepted Audio Two’s offer to style their video, establishing a new revenue stream and industry marketing tactic: product placement.

    “I didn’t think about what I couldn’t do,” Walker says. It’s a mindset the Brooklyn native, who’s Black Mexican, credits her father with instilling in her and her two sisters, Jackie and Tahirih. Witnessing his entrepreneurial journey in the music industry — where he managed jazz artists and groups like D Train and also worked with rappers Jaz-O and JAY-Z — Walker saw firsthand the ins and outs of the business. And with a hustler mentality embedded in her DNA, the serial entrepreneur cultivated business relationships with other emerging artists in New York City’s hottest clubs in the ’90s. A sequined gown Walker wore and designed stopped Run-D.M.C. in their tracks at the legendary Club Kilimanjaro, and an exchange of cards led to another styling opportunity for her. Meanwhile, connecting with artists’ management teams opened more doors, too. After meeting Queen Latifah and Shakim of Flavor Unit, for example, Walker began styling hip-hop trio Naughty By Nature.

    Most notably, the rise of Walker’s career birthed the first women-owned urban menswear venture, the iconic Walker Wear brand. Famous images from the ’90s showcase hip-hop legends such as Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. and former boxing champion Mike Tyson sporting the brand’s distinct logo, and its impact only grew. Walker’s signature fits, which include the rough and rugged suit, were donned by the late singer and fashion icon Aaliyah, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer LL Cool J. Her brand also appeared in staple films like the 1994 sports drama “Above the Rim,” featuring Shakur.

    Given Walker’s clientele, at one point, many assumed her brand was run by men. The founder and CEO admits she was ambiguous about the company’s ownership given the challenges women in leadership, and especially in hip-hop, faced back then. But she was clear on knowing how to navigate the male-dominated industry. “I knew when I had to speak up,” Walker says. “There were times when I had to speak up and chin-check men in corporate rooms. That was very uncomfortable, but I knew that if I didn’t do that, people would walk all over me.”

    Other tactics Walker employed included knowing when to send a man to a meeting, wearing “safe” outfits to keep the male gaze on business opportunities at hand, and adopting a “no-nonsense attitude.” “I think that helped me because it probably intimidated a lot of men. But if they did do something that wasn’t appropriate, I let them know, and that changed the dynamics, and it didn’t happen again,” Walker says. “I stood up for myself when I needed to.”

    Back in the ’90s, streetwear pioneers like Dapper Dan, Karl Williams of Karl Kani, Carl Jones and TJ Walker of Cross Colours, and Walker maneuvered through new territory in the fashion space while simultaneously breaking barriers together. The 1992 MAGIC trade show marked an industry-defining moment as Walker Wear, Karl Kani, and Cross Colours all joined forces to turn a conference room into a jail cell activation. Not only was the creative collaboration a daring move for streetwear, but it also solidified the position of the leaders shaping it in the fashion market.

    With streetwear still seen as an emerging style, the MAGIC trade show organizers didn’t give the trio a spot on the main showroom floor. However, being underestimated only placed the designers in a position to win, as they each walked away with roughly $2 million in sales that day.

    “It was really about basically taking the reins and being as creative as you could and using the resources because we didn’t have the same access to resources [or] funding,” Walker explains. According to her, back then, “You had to find a door and kick it in.”

    Streetwear finally began to permeate the fashion industry in the ’90s following the emergence of lines like FUBU, Phat Farm, Baby Phat, Sean John, and Rocawear, as well as the continued growth of Tommy Hilfiger and Mecca, among others, as hip-hop rose. With this shift, shoppers beyond New York City were able to access streetwear outside of shops set in Harlem and Brooklyn, finding it on the shelves of department stores. The era-defining decade flipped urban fashion from a subculture indulgence to a global export, and those like Walker who were part of its origin story had a front-row seat to the changes.

    “I want to leave an imprint on the world.”

    During that time, many would say Walker was at the top of her game with showrooms in New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, but she acknowledges that she was stressed, displeased with the rapidly changing fashion industry, and quickly falling out of love with it. She decided to press pause on Walker Wear in 1999: “I needed to walk away and know that I was OK.” She further reflects, “It was the best thing I could have done for myself, looking back, because I was able to really focus and understand what I needed, what success looked like to me, and what was important to me.”

    The hiatus would later allow the entrepreneur to launch other business ventures and, when ready, relaunch Walker Wear in 2012 — leaving her with a well-respected track record in the streetwear game. With a nearly 40-year tenure in fashion, Walker’s legacy has been captured in programs such as documentary “The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion” and “50 Years Fly,” as well as archived in exhibitions like “Women in Streetwear” (which she curated for NYC’s Port Authority Bus Terminal), Kunsthal Rotterdam’s “Street Dreams: How HipHop Took Over Fashion,” Museum at FIT’s “Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style,” and “¡Moda Hoy! Latin American and Latinx Fashion Design Today.”

    Today, Walker, the author of “WalkerGems: Get Your Ass Off the Couch,” continues to share her knowledge of the fashion industry with up-and-coming designers and is launching WalkerGems Digital Academy to make this information even more accessible. “I want to leave an imprint on the world where when young Black and Brown people, specifically women, see that I did this in 1987, they absolutely can shake their head, like, ‘Oh, I’m doing this and I can do it bigger and better.’”

    Janel Martinez

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  • How Plant Kween Combines Fashion With Her Love of Horticulture

    How Plant Kween Combines Fashion With Her Love of Horticulture

    When it comes to the term “influencer,” first thoughts usually surround fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. You rarely hear of the success of other categories, but Christopher Griffin is changing that narrative. Griffin, AKA Plant Kween, is an Brooklyn-based Black, queer, non-binary influencer and the author of “You Grow, Gurl!”. She is taking over the fashion and holistic spaces, sharing her never-ending love for nature, self-care tips, and building community.

    “As I’ve dived into the world of horticulture and explored the rich diversity of lushness that exists [on the planet], it has definitely motivated me to be more playful and expansive with how I want to show up in the world.”

    While her popular Instagram account is only seven years old, her passion for plants runs deep. It all started when she was growing up, spending time with her grandmother, who she describes as the original plant queen. “When I was about six years old, my grandmother and I would take day trips out to her favorite nurseries in Philadelphia,” Griffin tells POPSUGAR. “I became fascinated by the idea that we could take a small piece of the jungle home with us, nourish it, and watch it grow. Whenever I was visiting her green oasis of a home, she’d remind me to water the green gurls I’d picked out. She was nurturing the nurturer she saw in me.”

    Nearly half a million followers later, Plant Kween is one of our generation’s most respected plant connoisseurs and continues to spread joy through a recent collaboration with distinguished hospitality brand Kimpton Hotels of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & lifestyle portfolio. For their new Kimpton Plant Pals program that allows guests to have a plant directly delivered to their rooms during stays, she’s carefully curated a unique selection of regionally sourced plants for all to enjoy. “Some of the options include a prickly pear cactus in San Francisco, English Ivy at European Kimpton locations and pothos in the Asia Pacific region,” Griffin says. “This program emphasizes plants native to each hotel’s region, with a subtle educational component. It allows folks a moment to dive into what eco-conscious gardening could look like for them, while enjoying the lushness in their hotel room.”

    Griffin also makes the connection between plants and fashion, sharing that Mother Nature is the best style muse. “Plants are wondrous, resilient, beautiful and inspiring green lil creatures,” she says. “As I’ve dived into the world of horticulture and explored the rich diversity of lushness that exists [on the planet], it has definitely motivated me to be more playful and expansive with how I want to show up in the world.”

    On her journey to being the next “Black queer non-binary David Attenborough” as she puts it, Griffin still manages to make time for what’s even more important than being a plant parent — herself. Below, she gives us a peek into her daily schedule, collaborating with Kimpton, and the future of Plant Kween.

    Naomi Parris

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  • Why Barbie Trades Chanel For Birkenstock, According to the Movie’s Costume Designer

    Why Barbie Trades Chanel For Birkenstock, According to the Movie’s Costume Designer

    The anticipation for the “Barbie” movie wardrobe has been at an all-time high, cinematically speaking. The movie has become a jumping-off point for the Barbiecore fashion trend and plenty of merch from designer collaborations. For costume designer Jacqueline Durran (2017’s “Beauty and the Beast” and 2019’s “Little Women”), that could feel like serious pressure. The workload was an impressive feat to take on, especially since her team only had 11 weeks to make the looks — and they continued creating while filming progressed.

    Durran drew inspiration from a range of sources, including iconic Barbie dolls from the ’80s and pastels that nod to the French Riviera in the ’50s and ’60s. She also tapped Chanel to loan extra pieces for Margot Robbie’s Stereotypical Barbie character. “It was one of my main intentions in the costuming of the movie to reference as many Mattel historic Barbie costumes as I could,” Durran tells POPSUGAR.

    “One of the things about Barbie is that she’s always accessorized, and Chanel makes fantastic accessories.”

    Alongside Robbie, Durran had plenty of actors to dress, including Ryan Gosling, who came up with his own idea for Ken’s logofied underwear; Simu Liu, who represents the confident “Kenergy” Gosling’s up against; Issa Rae, whose sets are purposefully presidential-turned-leisurely; and Kate McKinnon, who looks like every doll you’ve ever destroyed as the eccentric Weird Barbie.

    The “Barbie” movie outfits are visually stunning, to be sure, but they also serve as a plot device. The dichotomy between Robbie’s Barbie heels and her Birkenstocks, for example, speaks to the contrast between the idyllic Barbieland and the real world. Her yellow dress in the last scene also points to her transformation from a Barbie doll to a human. “For Barbie Margot, at that moment, she’s really becoming human, so the idea was that her dress was much softer than her previous looks,” Durran says. “It’s a bias-cut dress, which means that it drapes, and none of Barbie’s previous clothes have ever draped.”

    Ahead, Durran takes POPSUGAR through her experience costuming the “Barbie” movie cast and shares the symbolism behind key outfits.

    Sarah Wasilak

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