In Part One of our story, we shared our beginnings, marked by the quest for the perfect fit and our unwavering commitment to individuality. Now, as we embark on Part Two, we invite you to delve deeper into our unconventional journey, one that was far from typical in the world of fashion.
Learning the Ropes without Formal Education
Unlike many other fashion designers, we never attended formal fashion schools. At the time, Asha was finishing her master's degree in Aviation Safety, while Ayanna had just welcomed her daughter after returning home with a degree in Hospitality Management. Our path into fashion was born out of a simple desire to conquer new territory. We both yearned for a space where we could express ourselves freely and creatively.
Our unconventional background turned out to be an asset, allowing us to approach fashion from a fresh perspective. We didn't conform to the traditional norms of the industry because we never learned them in the first place. Instead, we embraced our unique backgrounds and experiences, channeling them into our designs.
Innovation: The Illusion of Floating
One of our proudest moments came when we introduced a groundbreaking design that caught the fashion world's attention: overlong skirts that gave the illusion of floating. These ethereal creations embodied our commitment to pushing the boundaries of style. They became an instant hit, resonating with those who shared our love for non-conformity.
Yet, innovation came with its own set of challenges. With each new collection, we faced the arduous task of finding unique fabrics that matched our vision. The fashion industry thrives on novelty, and our commitment to pushing the envelope meant that we couldn't settle for anything less than extraordinary.
The Bittersweet Reality
As we navigated the industry, we encountered a bittersweet reality. One instance that stands out is when we sold a custom-made skirt to a client who later purchased the same fabric to create her own pieces for resale. While we understood that we didn't own the copyright to fabric prints, it was a stark reminder of the industry's cruelty and moral ambiguity.
The fashion world can be a challenging place, where ethics and creativity often collide. It's a constant battle to protect our unique designs and maintain the integrity of our brand, but it's a battle we're willing to fight to uphold our principles.
A Beacon of Support
Through the ups and downs of our journey, we found solace in individuals like Mel Gabriel from Caribbean LookBook. From day one, Mel believed in us, offering encouragement through editorials and invaluable advice. Her unwavering support served as a reminder that even in a world that often resists change, there are allies who appreciate and amplify our message of individuality and style.
As we conclude Part Two of our story, we remain committed to our mission: to redefine fashion, celebrate diversity, and encourage self-expression. Our journey continues, and we invite you to be a part of it, as we share more experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the chapters to come.
Stay tuned for the next part of our journey with Wadada Movement, where we'll dive deeper into the evolution of our brand and the ever-changing landscape of the fashion industry. We look forward to sharing the next chapter of our adventure with you.