From Issue 94 — Food for Thought
Kendrick
Verse One: exploitation
The fashion game, It’s deep. It’s complex. And when we talk about the struggles faced by people of color, it hits even harder. Let’s keep it real. In this industry, it often feels like (Poc) only gets one shot to make it, while our white counterparts can stumble, fall, and rise again like it’s no big deal. In examining the exploitative nature of the fashion system and the limited chances for people of color, I cannot escape the undeniable lived realities that many have experienced. The fashion industry, built upon the backs of marginalized communities, has long perpetuated a cycle of systemic bias, violence and inequality. This bias can be attributed, in part, to the scarcity of opportunities and the limited representation of people of color in positions of power within fashion. Those who hold the reins of influence—the executives, the designers, the gatekeepers—have predominantly hailed from white backgrounds.
Verse Two: the Tribe
I want you to understand something. You are not meant to fit into anyone else’s mold. You were designed to stand out, to bring something unique to the table. Don’t intentionally or unintentionally dim your light to conform to their expectations. Finding your niche is like unlocking a treasure chest of endless possibilities. It’s about tapping into your passions, your interests, and infusing them into your creative expression. Whether it’s streetwear, couture, or a fusion of cultures, your authenticity is your superpower.. It’s your secret weapon, the magnet that attracts opportunities and like-minded souls. When you stay true to yourself, you become a beacon of inspiration for others. Your unique voice, your story, and your experiences are what make you unstoppable. Surround yourself with those who uplift and inspire you. Build a community that fuels your ambition and celebrates your wins. And don’t forget to pay it forward. Lift others up, mentor the next generation, and create a ripple effect of empowerment in the fashion world.
Verse Three: The Tapestry
In the tapestry of life, we discover our most authentic self, a blend of different parts that make us unique. It’s like a colorful tapestry, with no one thing defining us completely. It’s the combination of experiences and elements that shape us every single day. From the core of our being to the light in our eyes. Life has this weird, maybe sometimes cruel way of shaping us, just like brushstrokes on a canvas. Big moments and small ones all leave their mark on us, like scars that tell our story. The whispers of inspiration and the soundtrack to our life guide us. Friendships and challenges plant seeds of truth within us, while the lessons we learn and the wisdom we gain seep into our very being. We’re constantly evolving, you’re constantly evolving. An ever-evolving canvas, curated by the art of life
Yet, within the masterpiece of life, there are false stories that can distort our view and cast self imposed shadows on our path. We possess the power to be architects of change, empowered to break free from illusions and unlock our destined path.Within this performance, we dance, composing our own lyrics and embracing the harmony of what feels right. Our triumphant melody should echo as we conquer every fear. – JK
Jeff Karly Drouillard is a Haitian-American multifaceted creative with many talents that allow him to affect different spaces of fashion. As a Creative Director, he brings his unique perspective to his independent fashion brand Unique Expozzure, while also working with well-known brands such as Baron & Baron, Alice & Olivia, Coach, Zegna, and more. As an Educator holding two Master’s Degrees in Strategy Design and Fashion Management from Parsons School of Design, he shares his knowledge and passion with students in the BFA Fashion Design, MPS Fashion Management, and MFA Fashion Design and Society programs at Parsons and GCNYC. As a storyteller, Jeff is also a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, The Fashion Policy Council, and the co-founder of a mentorship program that focu- ses on access and the college admissions pipeline, which disproportionately affects students of color. His capstone work “I am creative too: An Intersectional Approach to Understanding the Cost of Racism in Fashion” was just a starting point. He has been featured in various publications such as WWD, CFDA’s Future Fashion Designer Showcase, Creatively, and Fashion United.
