SOLIT AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

On the day 1 of Vancouver Fashion Week F/W24, the first show to take to the runway was Japanese fashion designer Misaki Tanaka with her brand So Lit  . The following excerpt comes from the designers biographical notes provided to Vancouver Fashion Week.

SOLIT! is born as a solution to the discomfort we have felt in fashion. Size diversity is a given, making it easy for people with disabilities to dress and undress, avoiding the unease of body shaming, and allowing gender blending according to the expression of one's sexuality. Designed based on the thoughts of each individual, for whom the conventional mechanisms and shapes offered limited choices. Drawing on research data woven by professionals in ergonomics, humanities, healthcare, and designers, alongside insights from social minorities, SOLIT is crafted to realize "wear what diverse people want to wear."

SO LIT

In September 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Tanka launched her brand with a team that gathered online and raised funds through crowdfunding. So Lit commenced sales the following year. Tanka's design methodology earned her the prestigious GOLD award at the German "iF DESIGN AWARD" and a BRONZE award at the Italian "A' DESIGN AWARD." She was ranked third globally in the "Social Design" category as a brand designer in the latter. Additionally, she won the "Fashion Values" global fashion competition developed by the London College of Fashion, Kering, IBM, and Vogue Business.

SO LIT ON THE RUNWAY

Beyond the glamour and allure, fashion shows can play a vital role in promoting empowerment, social causes, and entrepreneurial spirit. So Lit is a brand that challenges our ideas about our vision of what is beautiful and inclusive and provides clothing that can meet some unmet needs. "The clothes are not extraordinary, but an extension of everyday life," says designer Misaki Tanaka. So Lit sets itself apart with its diverse runway shows featuring models of various sizes, abilities, and gender identities. One model in a wheelchair shines a light on the diverse needs of society.

The clothing that came down the runway had loose-fitting silhouettes, and it was designed with all body types in mind. Tanaka explained, "What may seem like ordinary buttons are actually magnets, enabling the wearer to fasten them without the need to use their fingers. The jackets are designed to be worn by those with a limited range of motion."

The cheerful  color pallet enhanced the utilitarian nature of clothing. While I usually cover more fashion forward collections the merits of this award winning designer's work was impactful. The closing of the show featured the models with hopeful and insightful messages and slogans held on signs . Two of the looks were covered with what appeared to be post it notes with messages on them. The message that stood out from this collection read

           " WE ARE HERE FOR YOU".

IN CONCLUSION

Fashion, by its nature, is all about change. Designers launch new collections every season, promoting the latest styles, trends, and ingenuity. Some changes are fleeting, while others are about more significant issues and ideas. In the past decade, some changes have significantly impacted the fashion industry. One of the changes is embracing sustainability and ethical practices. Another is breaking down barriers by celebrating diversity. Brands have started to design clothing for customers with disabilities, different body sizes, and gender identities. Models of various abilities, ethnicities, body sizes, and gender identities now grace the catwalks. This shift reflects a broader societal push for inclusivity. Thanks to brands like So Lit for being on the cutting edge of championing these changes.

Myself and designer Misaki Tanka of So Lit

CIAO FOR NOW J.ANDREW JACKSON