Category Archive: Fashion

Diotima: Dismantling the Colonial Gaze

“Seductive, Artisanal, Nuanced.” Those are the words used by Rachel Scott to describe her brand which aims to create a bridge between Jamaica, the Caribbeans, and the West.

The Kingston, Jamaica-born designer studied French and art at Colgate University in upstate New York and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in 2006. From 2006-2007, she attended Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Italy where she studied fashion/apparel design. After graduating, Scott worked for brands such as Costume National and J. Mendel, and served as Vice President of Design at Rachel Comey for about seven years. She first founded Diotima in 2021 after realizing that there was a lack of direct Caribbean and Jamaican representation in fashion.

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Maison Kitsuné: Eclectic Innovation

The fashion industry is about being daring, unique, and setting trends. Numerous fashion labels vie for visibility and acclaim. For newcomers, it can be very difficult to stand out in a highly competitive market. Making a name for yourself and establishing an instantly recognizable brand are vital for success in the fashion industry. Unconventionally, Paris-based fashion company Maison Kitsuné has managed to distinguish itself from the competition.

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Jacques Agbobly: Black Queer Joy

From the colorful country of Togo, fashion designer Jacques Agbobly delicately and intentionally creates designs loosely based on the comfort and security of his home in West Africa. It was here that Agbobly grew to appreciate individuality, as their grandmother and Aunt Damé taught and encouraged the young designer to stay true to themself and to be as creative as possible. 

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Karoline Vitto: Creating Confidence

In a world that idealizes certain body types, trends and images, Brazilian designer Karoline Vitto understands that women and fashion are more than just the stereotypical body type displayed on social media. Vitto creates fashion that accentuates the curves and natural beauty of women, celebrating folds and working to make gorgeous clothes that are size-inclusive. 

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Willy Chavarria: Fashion + Identity + Activism

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, Willy Chavarria remains at the forefront, reshaping the landscape with his distinctive vision and unwavering dedication to empowerment and equality. With each collection, he challenges us to confront societal norms and embrace the beauty of diversity—a testament to his enduring legacy as a designer, activist, and visionary.

 Known for his bold designs and unwavering activism, Willy Chavarria is an American fashion luminary. He’s originally fromFresno, California,  Chavarria's multicultural heritage, with an Irish-American mother and a Mexican-American father, profoundly influences his work and perspective.

Chavarria's journey into the realm of fashion began during his early twenties when he pursued a degree in graphic design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. During his part-time employment at Joe Boxer's shipping department, he found his calling in fashion. His dedication and talent secured him an internship with Nicholas Graham, leading to a designer role at Joe Boxer.

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