Yesterday, I provided the backstory of Abrima Erwiah, one of the co-founders of Studio 189. As I pulled together that information, I was left with a set of quotes that I believe would be helpful to anyone who is considering how they to can use fashion as a tool for social change. The following are pulled from interviews the designer has previously done. I hope you find them helpful:
On Staying true to your message as you try to expand your brand reach:
“[It’s about] finding partners that get what you’re trying to do”1
“You don’t have to be everywhere, you have to find people who want to support your vision and who want to partner with you in the long term.” 1
On Values:
“Really know who you are, know why you’re here and it’s really important, because people will challenge that. Write down your mission, to write down your goals. What are your core values? What do you believe in? I think if you do that, you’re going to find [a company] that will resonate with that. Set your intention and see yourself somewhere. It doesn’t mean you can’t pivot and bob and swing, but see yourself somewhere.
I think you need to do that before you start something — anything, like a relationship, a partnership, a job search, etc. It can’t just be about making money, because money comes, money goes.” 1
On doing community impact work:
“Instead of throwing some charity money, why don’t you just pay fairly for the goods you’re getting at-value? Let people make their own money and decide how they want to spend it. And if you’re not gonna do it, fair enough — maybe an international system doesn’t want that to happen — but then let’s be honest and talk about it.” 2
“It [is] not our role to tell people what they should do, but it [is] our role to listen and to amplify and to support the development of local communities.” 3
Sources:
1. Bengel, C. (June 2, 2022). Meet The Woman Changing The Conversation Around African Luxury Fashion. Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/style/studio-189-abrima-erwiah-quick-question
2. Colón, A. (April 19, 2021). How Abrima Erwiah Went From Working at a SoHo Boutique to Helping Shift the Conversation Around African Luxury Fashion. Fashionista.com https://fashionista.com/2021/04/abrima-erwiah-studio-189-career-interview
3. Doud, T. (June 14, 2018). Studio 189 designs fashion for social change. CFDA.com https://cfda.com/news/studio-189-designs-fashion-for-social-change
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