Every fashion designer founded their brand with a purpose in mind and each fashion brand stands for something. While some brands stand for sexy and trending outfits, some others stand for modest and conservative outfits. Whichever one a brand decides to go with, there is always a target market for what they sell.
This week, we asked 5 fashion lovers for their opinions on fashion designers refusing to sew revealing outfits for clients. Here’s what they said;
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“Fashion designers are free to decide what types of outfits to sew for clients but should not impose their standards on their clients” – Esther
I think fashion designers are free to decide what types of outfits they want to sew for clients. I mean, if something goes against their values and what they think is right, I don’t see the point in them sewing it. It’s like asking a baker to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding when it goes against their belief system. They shouldn’t do it.
I don’t think designers should bend their rules even for their loyal clients. These clients should already know the designer’s stand and so should not expect him or her to change their stand for them. Clients too should learn to respect boundaries.
What I don’t like is when a designer decides to change a client’s style without prior consent all because they think it’s improper. I remember someone did it to my sister, she decided to change the sleeve style of my sister’s outfit because she thought it was revealing and she felt that as Christians we shouldn’t wear such. Omo, we sent it back to her for fixing oh. They need to ask for proper consent first.
“There should be a point where professionalism overrides one’s perceived sense of morality.” – Boboye
I think there should be a point where professionalism overrides one’s sense of perceived morality. But, it’s also important to stay true to yourself while advancing your career. It’s a very tight rope to balance on.
For loyal clients, it is more than okay to bend the rules. Flexibility is usually an important skill to develop in any client-based business. But, at the same time, the client’s loyalty ends where your need for money does. It might be better, in the long run, to cut off a client that’s trying to steer you away from your original vision, no matter how loyal they are.
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“This should be based on the fashion designer’s values.” – Kunmi
This is a very dicey question but I think it is based on the values the fashion designer stands for. My standard is moderation and most times clients get interested in what you, as a fashion designer, model. To avoid getting requests for or having to turn down revealing outfits from clients, model what you want them to come for.
I think you have to be firm with your values as a fashion designer when it comes to moderation and decency to avoid more requests like that. From bending rules for loyal clients, you’ll start to bend for prospective clients
“It is beautiful to have standards.” – Ruth
I know it is beautiful to have standards. This is how they want their brand to be known. They’re firm and have clear cut goals and codes of conduct. You have to be known for something, whether it is making classy conservative wears. Many fashion designers tend to make low-cut backs and necks plus slits even when their client didn’t request such. Why? you may wonder. It is because that is their default style. They do not believe that wears will look glamorous without exposing some flesh. On the other hand, the classy and conservative fashion designers can adequately tend to people that do not like exposing skin and the customer will still feel comfortable in the outfit.
I do not believe it is okay to bend rules. A fashion designer friend of mine encountered this sort of situation. She was not sure how to inform her loyal client that she couldn’t make that particular style because it had a low-cut back.
I told her she needed to ensure that she didn’t bend the rules for anyone. If she has carved this path for her brand, then that’s what she’ll be known for and her customers will have to adjust to the idea. She prayed about it and, thankfully, the client said she didn’t want to make that style again, so it went well. However, if such a situation pops up again, she will be sure to speak up.
“I think designers can decide what to and what not to sew for clients but they have to be clear on their definition of ‘revealing outfits’.” – Chidera
I think fashion designers can decide what to and what not to sew. It’s their brand so the decision is up to them. But, in doing this, they have to be clear on what a revealing outfit means to them. The concept of modesty differs from person to person. What you see as revealing might not be revealing to me.
Once a designer is clear on their definition of modesty to clients, I don’t think they should bend their rules for anyone regardless of how loyal that client is. Boundaries are boundaries and have to be respected.
What do you think about fashion designers refusing to sew revealing outfits for clients? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
