In 2015, Letesha Renee founded genderless fashion brand Eugene Taylor. The inspiration? Her late grandmother. She saw Renee’s interest in fashion and when she turned 15, she bought Renee her first sewing machine. Since then, she has been honoring her grandmother in the form of fashion.

 

Her most recent collection, Selfhood, is inspired by the history of the Eugene Taylor brand. Her designs consist of geometric corset-inspired crop tops, ponchos, loose plaid jackets and body con-esque dresses. While mixing the brand’s evolution and consistency, Renee has created pieces that showcase genderless fashion.

 

With having the Selfhood collection released in early October 2023, Renee is sharing her insider opinions as to how she creates diversity in fashion, and what she hopes will be seen soon for fashion diversity.

 

As a Black and woman owned brand founder, what are your views on DEI in fashion?

 

I think that it’s lacking. I don’t think that there’s a lot for space for black women specifically. We’re the last to be uplifted in that area. There are a lot of black women working behind the scenes for these big, major brands. But they’re not in the forefront. I would say that black men have a really good footing in the fashion industry. But the fashion industry is a male dominant field to begin with. So, I just think that because of that small factor, it just leaves little to no room for black women to fully be seen.

 

What’s an example of the mistreatment of Black women in fashion that you’ve seen?

 

A lot of the times, there are these initiatives that people come up with that they say are specifically tailored to people of color or black women in the fashion industry. There’s no real resources that are included or anything that’s going to actually help your business grow. They all say that they’re offering these things, but they aren’t actually real. It’s those initiatives that seem like smoke and mirrors. I think if they’re gonna come up with these programs, they need to be beneficial, with real mentorship and real resources.

 

How does your brand represent DEI?

 

It’s a genderless brand that visualizes the future of what genderless clothing looks like. Since we started, it’s been our idea to have more feminine pieces, but also more masculine pieces. So, we have an array of items that are seasonless. We are focused on layering pieces. And, we have the ability to fit something that suits everyone, and a really good price range.

 

Why did you get into genderless fashion?

 

I always was really into buying men’s clothes. So, it really is a direct reflection of the things that I like, so that includes big pants. But then I also like really pretty gowns, and then I love cozy fits. So, I kind of give you everything. But outside of me giving you everything, it’s very cohesive and everything looks like they live together.

 

What do you think the fashion industry can do to better DEI efforts?

 

I think there’s been a lot of initiatives within the fashion industry as far as like, trying to be more inclusive. But just more diversity. I think we should actually be diverse, inclusive, making sure that all shades are being represented so that people are able to see themselves.What is a piece from your line that represents inclusivity to you? My hip huggers are one of my staples. They are big, baggy, you know literally anybody and everybody looks good in them. It’s something I’m really proud of because it is 100% genderless.

 

Overall, how do you support DEI efforts in fashion?

 

I communicate through clothing. It’s my way. So, for me, I already offer a larger and more inclusive perspective because I see the world in a more inclusive way. Because of my own experiences, being a black woman, I make sure that I’m spreading that type of love. When I am creating my pieces, I am building teams for events and it is very inclusive to everyone. And it has the ability to speak to any and everyone because equality has also been something that’s been very important for me and to promote it through my brand.