Tracy Reese, fashion designer with over five decades of experience, discusses the evolution of the fashion industry, starting a business against all odds, the burden and optimism of the current situation, navigating the industry as a black female designer, and promoting sustainability in fashion.
The fashion industry needs to be held accountable for greater inclusivity and diversity.
Tracy Reese emphasizes the importance of sustainability and responsible practices in the fashion industry.
Deep dives
The Lack of Inclusivity and Diversity in Fashion
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the lack of inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry. They highlight the importance of holding the industry accountable and trying to move towards greater inclusivity. The speaker shares their personal experience of writing a piece on being black and working in fashion, and how it led to conversations with Tracy Reese, a black female designer and champion for black designers in the industry. They discuss the changes that have occurred over time and the work that still needs to be done.
The Energy and Challenges of Starting a Fashion Business
The episode delves into the experiences of Tracy Reese while starting her fashion business in the 80s. She shares the energy and excitement of the time, where young designers supported each other and believed that anything was possible. Tracy reflects on the challenges they faced and the hard work they put in, from personally handling production and delivery to building relationships within the industry. She compares the inclusivity of the 80s to the more exclusive environment of the 90s and beyond. Despite the challenges, Tracy's determination and belief in herself as a designer helped her to persevere.
The Evolution of the Fashion Industry over the Decades
The episode explores the differences in the fashion industry over the decades, starting from the 80s to the present day. Tracy Reese shares her insights into the changes she witnessed throughout her career. She discusses how fashion week became more centralized and larger, and the impact of social media on the industry. Tracy also highlights the shift in attitudes towards sustainability and the importance of working responsibly within the fashion industry. She emphasizes the need for inclusivity and representation at all levels of the industry, including retail ranks and supply chain positions.
The Slow Progress of Diversity and Sustainability in Fashion
The podcast discusses the slow progress of diversity and sustainability in the fashion industry. Despite some positive changes, there is still work to be done in terms of representation and accountability. Tracy Reese shares her observations and experiences, noting the need for more people of color in leadership positions and a more inclusive supply chain. She talks about the importance of holding brands and stores accountable for their diversity pledges. Tracy also emphasizes the significance of sustainability and responsible practices in the industry, addressing issues of waste and exploitation in global garment production.
Five years ago, host Lindsay Peoples wrote a piece called Everywhere and Nowhere, What it’s Really Like to be Black and Work in Fashion. It shook the table and ushered in a conversation on race in the industry. She interviewed over 100 people, one of them being designer Tracy Reese who's been working in fashion for over five decades. For the fifth anniversary of the piece, Lindsay spoke to Tracy about what's changed, how far the industry has come and how much work still needs to be done.
