https://www.instagram.com/misselegantclassic/

 

To all whom this writing shall come, Greeting!

 

#Create #Inspire #Empower

Modest Fashion for Women of #All Ages

Modest Fashion for #Social Impact

Around the world today, older women are completely invisible from fashion.  Even "modest fashion" has now become associated only with being "young and the runway", leaving women 40+ embarrassed to enter the fashion scene.  “Fashion Art” has tremendous reach and the potential to combat “ageism” in the world of fashion and even have therapeutic effects as well.

Our seniors are guides of our path and age does not diminish their value or beauty in society. When fashion is used as an educational tool or as “art therapy”, it may help women of all ages with financial independence, positive mental health and confidence whether they are in their 40's or 80's.   Hence, fashion has no age limit.  

 All our designs are inspired from the "Golden Age" of the East, pre-1960s, when "paper sewing patterns like Vogue, Butterick" etc. were at the peak of classic craft skills. We focus on reviving "vintage paper sewing pattern photos" into real "wearable art" fashion. What was once a dormant photo and impossible "sewing paper guide" can be transformed into practical "wearable art" for modest women of all ages. 

No one minds becoming old, until they actually become old. Fashion should consider the "daily" challenges older women face in getting dressed.  This is why we focus on the "ethical side" of sustainable fashion that aims to solve "everyday" problems facing our aging population, particularly in garment construction.

However, even by gaining inspiration from vintage sewing patterns or classic  films, our focus does not stop there. Many of our designs are considered "adaptive clothing" - emphasizing easy front closure garments for those with medical issues such as arthritis. Raglan sleeves, "free size" outfits, also provide greater freedom of movement. 

 For example, as women age, reduced mobility becomes an issue, hence, our fashion design includes press buttons and front closure garments to help older women dress independently everyday.  We also leave extra fabric inside every outfit so women may modify the outfit with the help of a tailor or even continue to create their own outfits using our design as a tailoring sample.  

This "slow fashion" circular model, that was the norm years ago, also encourages educational craft skills and sustainable work with local tailors and fabric shops as well.

Hence, it is critical the fashion world respects designs that are not only elegant, but realistic, functional and accommodates the reality of aging which we will all face someday. 

By including women of all ages in modest fashion, we not only help women look and feel their best everyday, but they may also be inspired to learn new classic craft skills, fashion tailoring education or even discover new forms of sustainable employment. 

  Indeed, our elders are a mirror of the future.  How they are treated in society today will be reflected in future generations tomorrow.  We will all pass through this age period.  A “Fashion Art Exhibition” is an ideal method towards highlighting these important issues facing mature women in the world of fashion.  By helping women help themselves at any age, this is truly the meaning of women's empowerment and everyday "sustainable ethical fashion".