A Cut Above: Shaping Identity With Tailoring

A black woman fashion designer measuring a white blazer on a dress form. This fashion designer focuses on precision in tailoring, showcasing her skills in custom clothing design.Sinclair London is a Business Reporter client.The Met Gala had just passed, and the theme was inspired by the gallery’s new exhibit Superfine – Tailoring Black Style. This showcase explored the importance of clothing and style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora, as well as the pivotal role Black culture has played in the development of fashion.Bespoke tailoring is a key part of Black dandyism. From hand-stitched suits to perfectly cut trousers, the dandy’s wardrobe is built on precision, style and quality: after all, a beautifully-fitted suit makes a powerful statement all of its own. With her Jamaican heritage, the ground-breaking Savile Row-trained tailor Alicya Sinclair happily embraces Black dandyism, incorporating elements such as bold colours and sharp cuts into her own creations.Tailoring has long been a potent medium through which women assert their identities. It can be both a tool for self-expression, and a way to reinforce confidence and a sense of wellbeing. But its influence extends well beyond aesthetics. In the right hands, tailoring can also challenge societal norms and advocate for greater social responsibility.Style as signatureStyle is a powerful tool for self-expression. Unique tailoring offers an opportunity to display a unique identity. It can make a strong statement, even a political oneFor example, in June 2017, Sinclair London changed women’s style for ever as the retro girl group The Tootsie Rollers, dressed in trouser suits, burst into the royal enclosure at Ascot races to the surprise (and delight) of the more formally dressed members and their guests. And the message in those suits, loudly declared before some of the most influential people in British society, was a simple one, of freedom and equality.Tailoring is a powerful element across all touchpoints of a women’s life. Moments in her career; important family events; times when a friend needs support or congratulation: these are all occasions that should be carefully considered, planned and executed. And style must be part of this, because it is part of a woman’s self-expression, identity and values.Strong lines, strong womenStrong tailoring challenges stereotypes. It moves expectations beyond conventional beliefs about what women “should” wear. It enables women to embrace practicality and comfort along with authority and – only if they desire it – glamour.Historically, societal norms have dictated specific dress codes for women, often reinforcing restrictive gender roles. But fashion can also serve as a platform to challenge and redefine those norms. The suffragettes wore sashes in purple and green to display their political allegiance, and white dresses to communicate purity and unity. The flapper dresses of the 1920s symbolised a rejection of the highly feminised clothing of the fin de siècle. And, much later, the power suits of the 1980s symbolised the move of women into spaces (such as banking) that men had previously dominated.At Sinclair London, garments are crafted using sharp cuts and defined silhouettes, designed to communicate strength and individuality alongside elegance and sophistication. The intention is to provide collections that match a women’s calendar of events. These are pieces worn by strong women, the “women who do”, who are celebrating career-defining moments and important personal occasions.Sustainably styledTailoring, however, doesn’t only speak of individuality and power. It can also help balance economic, personal and social considerations, promoting an equitable society and a healthy planet.Garment workers, especially children, are often exploited in garment factories in many parts of the world. The clothing industry is also a significant contributor to pollution. A well-run fashion house will support fair labour practices by paying a living wage for workers and ensuring they are employed in safe and healthy workshops. And it will strenuously avoid damaging the environment, by maximising recycling and reducing waste.Women are increasingly advocating for these sustainable and ethical fashion practices. They are leading the debate in recognising that environmental integrity and social justice must be considered alongside the quality and style of the clothes they buy. As a result, many are moving away from fast fashion and looking towards the sustainable models of production championed by tailoring brands such as Sinclair London. Their choices and actions are shaping the future of fashion, and their voices are driving the industry towards a more sustainable and equitable future.Sustainable fashion has many elements. First, there is the choice of material used: organic fabrics can be preferred over artificial fabrics that frequently shed microplastics when they are washed; recycled textiles can also be used in sophisticated designs. Then there are the manufacturing processes, which can be restructured to use less water (often a scarce commodity), while the use of natural dying processes can significantly reduce pollution.In addition, there is the slow fashion movement, which encourages mindful consumption, where individuals invest in quality pieces that endure over time. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of garment creation but also fosters a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and design.Slow fashion is a movement that aligns with Sinclair London’s purpose-led approach to business. It’s about making thoughtful choices, investing in quality and valuing the process of creation over mass production.The identity of the well-tailored womanEmpowering women through tailoring is not just about power suits and statement shoulders. It’s about fostering confidence, enabling strong, glamorous women, such as those that Sinclair dressed for the film Gladiator II, to navigate different social and professional settings with ease. Ultimately, luxury tailoring enables and supports their overall wellbeing and success.Fashion is more than a means of adornment. It is a powerful tool for empowerment, self-expression and social change. By embracing their personal style, challenging societal norms, advocating for inclusivity and supporting sustainable practices, women can harness fashion’s potential to shape a more equal and contented world.As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it is right to celebrate the role of high-quality tailoring in empowering women and driving social progress. For more information, please visit www.sinclairlondon.com.

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