Editor’s Note

Victoria’s Sequel

DONNING ALL BLACK with a hot pink tape measure draped around my neck, my heels tapped a brisk cadence against glitter-infused tiles on my way to greet a customer. I was 18 and working as a sales associate at the Victoria’s Secret store in my local Northern New Jersey mall—considered one of the “cool jobs” by my high school peers. And, boy, it sure felt like it! The aura of Victoria’s Secret then was grown-up, sexy, slim, worldly, adventurous and successful—superlatives that were quite alluring to a young woman like myself. The company evoked perfection and bliss to all those daring enough to embrace the treasures of its often-racy merchandise. I was fired up about landing the job.

Yet, after only a few days, I noticed how many customers lacking supermodel proportions needed to muster the courage just to enter. Their discomfiture only increased as they browsed merchandise surrounded by displays featuring extremely thin, young models. I quickly became attuned to that angst and discovered my job was much more than helping coordinate bras and panties. I tried to replace their vulnerability with confidence. Many of my customers needed emotional support, and I was happy to oblige, albeit clandestinely. Because corporate was big on metrics that optimized sales, like spending a set amount of time with a customer before “cutting bait” and knowing when to introduce upselling techniques. (We all wore headsets, so our manager could monitor us and provide prompts in our ears.) Discussing customers’ body issues at length, however, was not part of the Victoria Secret’s playbook.

Still, I repeatedly found myself engaging in deeper discussions with my customers—a “problematic time suck,” according to management. But I couldn’t help it. From picking out lingerie that would make a woman feel more confident on her honeymoon to finding a wireless bra for a woman overcoming the emotional and physical trauma of a mastectomy, I believed I was performing a valuable service, even though my time with the customer could last nearly an hour in the fitting room. I was admonished that I could make more commission if I serviced a greater quantity of customers. I conscientiously objected. I learned that candid conversations discussing fit, fears and materials more likely led to a sale. But it wasn’t just about “getting a sale” for me. It was about helping women make the best choice and hopefully feel better about themselves in the process.

Little did I know then that I was laying the groundwork for our

first-ever Girl Power issue. We’ve come a long way from how Victoria’s Secret “empowered” women. The Angels have flown the catwalk, and the company is now the posterchild for the objectification of women. To be fair, Victoria’s Secret introduced expanded sizing for “regular” women a few years ago, but it was a case of too little, too late. Meanwhile, others are filling the vacuum. ThirdLove, for example, is using data analytics to offer custom options beyond the standard cup size for a better fit. The company reportedly had 1.3 million women on a recent waitlist for its 24 sizes. They also offer a nude for every skin color, not just beige. The undergarments are functional and affordable and, as one happy customer noted on its website, “I don’t feel like I’m losing the feeling of being beautiful when I wear them.” In short, ThirdLove’s platform is one of inclusivity, not extreme exclusivity.

I, for one, am on board with the “women come in all shapes and sizes” approach. And it appears a growing amount of people in our industry feel the same way—Hooray! Because body image issues can begin at an early age. The more inclusive we are about embracing such diversity early on, perhaps we can nip those problems in the bud. Likewise, the more we encourage girls of all ages to speak their mind and refuse to be intimidated or labeled, the better. Hence, this month’s fashion story, “Fearless Voices” (p. 18), that showcases an array of customized bold messaging on fresh fall styles. We also profile leading female childrenswear executives, “Women in Power” (p. 12), who reflect on what it took to break the glass ceiling, how they juggle work-life balance issues and offer predictions on what the future might hold for their gender. Surprisingly, some women said they feel most empowered at home, taking care of their children, while others felt their strongest in the C-suite. Others feel most empowered working on a cause, like breast cancer awareness and prevention or furthering LGBTQA+ rights. The responses are all different, proving no two women are alike. It’s an inspiring read for women at all levels of our industry, not to mention young girls who might look up to these power players.

Women have come a long way as a gender, but we still have a long way to go. This year marks the 100th anniversary since women earned the right to vote. Personally, until our country elects a female president, we won’t be on equal footing. Until then, let’s celebrate the female leaders of our industry and empowerment messaging that encourages young girls to dream big. Who knows, maybe one of them is presidential material?

EMILY BECKMAN Editor

Ke d s K i d s A n n o u n c e s Ambassador Program

KEDS KIDS HAS selected youth activists Khloe Thompson, Jordan Reeves, Rebekah Bruesehoff to kick off its 2020 brand ambassador program. Representing the company online and in-person, the girls will be sharing content on Instagram with their engaged audiences, as well as weighing in on new designs and contributing to brand events.

“To see them all interact so naturally together and become fast friends was such an inspiring experience for all of us at Keds Kids,” says Liz Bunnell, vice president of marketing for the kids’ division of Wolverine Worldwide, noting more collaborations with inspiring young women are in the pipeline. “We know today’s consumers will reward brands that stand for something more than just the product or service they are offering,” Bunnell adds, hinting at special plans for International Day of the Girl in October. “We are super excited about how this year’s program is going to evolve.”

Twelve-year-old Khloe Thompson started Khloe Kares, a nonprofit organization offering necessities to homeless women. Since 2017, Thompson has distributed over 5,500 “kare bags” to less fortunate families in the Los Angeles area. She has also traveled to Ghana, where she helped rural communities by raising money to install water pumps and bathroom facilities. Thompson has hosted leadership workshops at home and in Ghana. She even was granted an acre of land in Ghana that will become the first Khloe Kares community center, allowing kids to do homework with electricity and warm food, as well as providing opportunities to learn new trades. KHLOE THOMPSON @KHLOEKARES

JORDAN REEVES @JORDANJUSTRIGHT

Jordan Reeves is a 14-year-old designer, mentor and consultant. She co-founded the non-profit Born Just Right with her mom, Jen Reeves. She is also one of four founding members of the STEAM Squad, a group of girls who work together to get kids involved in science, technology, engineering, art and math. She is additionally an active member of the Marvel #HeroProject, bringing creative solutions to kids with disabilities.

Rebekah is a 13-year-old activist, spreading hope for transgender and LGBTQ+ youth through international speaking engagements and social media. She particularly advocates for transgender and non-binary kids who are fighting for the right to be who they are in their homes, schools and communities. Her efforts have furthered representation of LGBTQ+ people in curriculum, books and media. REBEKAH BRUESEHOFF @THEREALREBEKAH E n c o u r a g i n g Mo m D re s s e s Da u g ht e r a s Fe m a l e Ic o n s

EVERY MOM LOVES posting photos of her kids on social media, but Illinois’ Jenelle Wexler decided to add her own twist. Since her daughter Liberty was three weeks old, the crafty mama has designed costumes and coordinating sets that (adorably) pay homage to female icons on Instagram. From recent household names like Greta Thunberg, Billie Eilish and Megan Rapinoe to late legends like Lucille Ball, Helen Keller and Rosa Parks, Wexler has grown the dedicated account @photographyofliberty to nearly 15K followers in less than two years.

The concept of oh-so-cute photos paired with educational captions quickly went viral, attracting media outlets worldwide. Many of the featured women, such as Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, painter Ashley Longshore and comedian Ali Wong, even shared Wexler’s post to their own Instagram stories.

“Realizing how many lives Liberty touches makes me want to continue to highlight all of the amazing women who have contributed to the betterment of society,” Wexler says. “Girls can be anything they want to be, and I wanted my daughter—and all girls for that matter—to grow up knowing that.”

Wexler plans on posting every day to celebrate Women’s History Month, adding she ultimately wants to grow the online platform with a children’s book series or doll collection.

Greta Thunberg Billie Eilish