GTU intern, Krystal Gates, came to the event to speak about inclusive fashion. On her own Festival and Retro Stuff, Gates shares her favorite picks for any season, where to find them, and the importance of size inclusion. In her search for versatile and unique clothing, she finds thrift stores to be a safe haven and encourages viewers to frequent these hidden gems at affordable prices. Gates got her love of thrift from her mother, an expert tax collector.
Today, the average American woman wears a size 14 or 16 but can’t find clothes that fit her. Gates recommends using your voice to hold brands accountable for having options for every body type and size. “Have your say. That’s how change happens,” Gates said. “Even if you get clothes everywhere. [holding brands accountable] It’s a great way to partner with someone who can’t find clothes anywhere else.
Everyone should feel good! Clothes fit the wearer, not the other way around. Back in the day, clothes were hard to come by, and most brands didn’t cater to anyone over 12. Of course, only two large stores sold plus size and were expensive, and some of them were underdeveloped. People in mind. Gates has been involved in vintage-inspired fashion for seven years and cites icons like Lucille Ball, Lizzo, Cher and Selena Quintanilla as her inspirations. She is excited to see how major brands will become in the future.
