What about Elise?
Choosing Elise to begin with the representation of the brands that transmit the message of social awareness around feminism is not accidental. This brand has been deeply rooted in fighting for body rights since 1933…
I was so impressed when I discovered that the RFSU has created this fashion brand in order to emphasize on everyone’s right to decide over their body, sexuality and identity. The brand is named after Elise Ottesen-Jensen, the founder of RFSU. Elise - also known as Ottar - has dedicated her life in fighting for women's rights to understand and control their own body and sexuality.
Wandering around the brand’s collections one can come across t-shirts, sweatshirts and tote bags among other things. All clothing are made of organic cotton and in line with Fair Wear Foundation's code of conduct. The hues are clear and the messages on them are bold. Can’t help but wonder about the looks on my peers’ faces when wearing my mansplainer slayer t-shirt on…..:)
Fashion nationalism
Can fashion be seen as an act of political statement? I am sure this is not what you might have expected when you come across the term ‘political’. But writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie claims that fashion can be political and proves it by deciding to wear only Nigerian designers to public events.
We have been trained to consider fashion frivolous and guilty of rejecting diversity and ethos. In Lagos though this doesn’t seem to be the case. Clothing is being used to express creativity, to please rather than to prove status. And the well known writer communicates that by the garments she puts on her own body.
I can’t help but wonder whether this could be the case in other parts of the world. Parts where talent and creativity are being overshadowed by fast fashion industry which has taken over the world the last decades. What if we all decided to support made in ….(our country)? Unique garments from talented people made with respect for the human and the environment. Wouldn’t that be a way to give a message, to make a political statement?
As Chimamanda notes in the following video : ‘ In Lagos - the most stylish city - fashion is one true democracy.’
As simple as that : the denim jacket
As autumn leaves are starting to redecorate the streets at the northern hemispshere, can't help but need an extra something over my shoulders...what should that be? Oh every day life decisions can be tricky! And I don't need to put another one on my mind when taking off in a hurry to start the day.
Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis had such a revelation when they chose the denim material to create their pants. A material so strong and versatile - literally and figuratively - that has become part of our culture.
So behold the denim jacket! Steady companion to every outfit. You can either choose to wear it as part of layering overcoats on a cold day or topping a floral dress on a warmer one. Even the denim suit idea sounds appealing if paired with matching shade pants or skirt.
I acquired my vintage version of it from my husband’s closet. Classic blue denim shade and rather spacy - it even tops over my fluffier woolen sweater! I encourage you to search for your version at vintage and thrift stores which are full of denim gems. Maybe I should do a little investigation on that matter? If you have any suggestions, please drop them below!
Fasfem listens : Billie
Fasfem listens to the female voice. Ladies of the past, the present and beyond with impeccable style whose dreams of a fair world pour out of their mouth in the form of music.
Here 's Billie, lotus flower wearer, a rather strange yet delicious fruit …
fasfem
Have you ever considered visiting a space about clothing that would actually make you feel GOOD? About yourself, your body, your choices, the world around you...I know I have been dreaming about this place for quite some time now....
An online destination where the love for textiles and garments meets the love for oneself and the others. Where equality and respect for one another and the environment become action and engagement. Sounds promising, no?
I decided to create this space myself. Being a proud feminist, a mother of a two year old daughter and a fashion lover at the same time, I felt obliged to share my vision of a feminist fashion. Because I happen to believe - and actually have researched as part of my studies - that the relationship a woman develops with her outfit choices is not random nor meaningless. A woman can feel and act and perform dynamism and empowerment through her styling choices. Or not.
Traditional fashion media have been promoting unhealthy stereotypes which don't respect diversity. Fasfem wishes to contribute in changing that. Here we will feature brands and the people behind them that respect equality. We will give space to creative, smart women to unfold their magnificent stories. We will follow simplification and sustainability in the way we encourage you to consume. In the way you could style your every day.
I am going to stop for now and let fasfem pages speak forthemselves and guide you to our journey into changing the fashion scene, even for a little bit.
* picture above is from a Hollywood photoshoot inspired by 80’s postcards by Emma Craft. I chose this one because it gives me a sense of strong yet playful femininity. Emma ‘s universe is so satisfyingly inspiring, like a grownup lollipop store…
Credits :
Concept and photography by Emma Craft
Styling and makeup by Lian Najarian
Assistant styling by Anthony O’ Baner
Modeled by Chloe