CUSTOMERS AS MODELS

I love the company of people who love our company! Over the years, I've gotten to travel to various parts of the USA to hang out with customers in each area. I'm shown the kindest hospitality. The conversations are real. Often we do a photo shoot, and sometimes it's a fashion show. Every time it ends with a happy heart and a cup full of hope.

I'm inspired to share this because this time last week, we were in Lancaster, PA, to do a photo shoot. This means our next collection will have real customers as our models. Women felt beautiful. I love how the photos turned out. I sorted through every photo, I thought of how lovely everyone is. I think it's so cool, but….

Fashion industry experts, at least the old school ones, will say that featuring women who are not models as models is bad for sales. 

A few days ago I was reflecting on this because what if it's true? I have shared the website with industry people in the past, and from a first glance, I could tell they don't take Elegantees seriously.

When I look at our Instagram page and our Facebook Group, our models are known. Those who are active followers know the names of the women. Our brand image is set apart from the norms of the fashion world. It's rooted in acceptance and connection.

While we do have models that meet industry expectations, we have a broad range. Also for poses, am I wrong for preferring a genuine laugh than pout lips and sad eyes? I want our shoppers to feel joy, and as if they are checking out what their BFF is wearing.

There is a reason that models don't normally smile. A smile gives expression and personality, and the viewer looks to the face instead of the clothing. We do the opposite. Our photos often have real life backgrounds, and our models are moving and have joy. I get it how that can be beneficial for a buyer who is wanting to look at the clothing from a practical standpoint.

I asked one of our analysts her thoughts on all this. She says we shouldn't change, but it could be good to implement more basic shots of the clothing that a store buyer can skim through very easily. I think investing in more professional models then who understand how to get a pose in between needed could help for the retailer catalog. 

I'll keep you posted on if it helps! Hope you enjoy your weekend.

Love,

Katie