Model and activist, Ady Del Valle, shares her journey from Instagram to New York Fashion Week and discusses the need for more plus-size models. Sky Cubacub, designer of Rebirth Garments, talks about their inclusive approach to clothing for trans, fat, and disabled people. They criticize the mainstream fashion industry's lack of inclusivity and discuss the importance of accessibility and expression.
Inclusive fashion should address not only gender affirmation but also accessibility needs and celebrate diverse identities and bodies.
The fashion industry's attempts at inclusivity are falling short, with limited options for gender-neutral clothing and perpetuation of fatphobia through limited sizing.
Deep dives
Inclusive Fashion and Challenging the Industry Norms
The podcast episode discusses the importance of inclusivity in the fashion industry. It highlights the contributions of trans and gender non-conforming people to the fashion world throughout history. The episode features interviews with Skye Kubaku, the creator of Rebirth Garments, and Ade Davaje, a model and activist, who both aim to challenge the industry's traditional norms and promote intersectional inclusivity in their work. They emphasize the importance of clothing that is gender affirming, accessible, and celebrates diverse identities and bodies. The episode also explores the need for more substantive shifts in the industry and the normalization of representation for marginalized groups.
Breaking Barriers and Redefining Fashion Standards
The podcast delves into the personal journey of Skye Kubaku, the creator of Rebirth Garments. Skye discusses how their experiences as a non-binary, disabled, Philippine-X neuroqueer person have shaped their approach to fashion. They highlight the significance of creating clothing that addresses not only gender affirmation but also accessibility needs. Skye's inclusive designs aim to empower individuals to feel comfortable, confident, and celebratory of their bodies, identities, and emotions. They emphasize the power of personal expression and challenging conventional fashion standards to embrace vibrant and diverse representations.
The Push for Genuine Inclusivity in Fashion
The podcast episode explores the progress and limitations of inclusivity in the fashion industry. It acknowledges recent attempts to include plus-size and trans models in marketing campaigns and runway shows. However, it also highlights the need for a more substantial shift in the industry's approach to inclusivity. Skye Kubaku and Ade Davaje provide insights into the shortcomings of current efforts, such as limited options for gender-neutral clothing and the perpetuation of fatphobia through limited sizing. They advocate for a more personalized approach to fashion, challenging societal norms, and embracing individual identities and body types without restrictions or moral judgments.
Overcoming Adversities and Inspiring Change
The podcast features the inspiring journey of model and activist Ade Davaje. They discuss their experience as one of the few plus-sized and gender-expansive models in the industry. Ade emphasizes the importance of reclaiming and embracing terms like 'fat' and 'femme' as empowering expressions of self. They challenge rigid beauty standards and promote liberation through personal style and self-expression. Ade highlights the struggles faced by individuals coming from conservative backgrounds and shares their personal journey of breaking free from societal constraints to live authentically. They also advocate for broader representation in the fashion industry, pushing for more diverse models and narratives.
As models and designers flock to New York Fashion Week, Imara takes a look at the world of trans fashion. First, she speaks with model and activist, Ady Del Valle, about how he went from posting on Instagram to walking in New York Fashion Week. Ady also opens up about her coming out experience and how she wants to open the door for more plus sized models in the industry. Next, Imara is joined by Sky Cubacub, the designer of the radically inclusive Rebirth Garments. They share their approach to making more accessible and expressive clothing for trans, fat, and disabled people, while discussing how the mainstream fashion world’s attempts at inclusivity are failing these communities.