Undergarments, As An Act Of Rebellion
When asked why I decided to create a line of lingerie (as opposed to something easier to construct), my answer has been “because there is a market gap at the intersection of function, fashion, and sustainability.” The truth is, that answer is secondary to my real truth––one that rings so deep, I’ve been shying away from talking about. But I’m realizing that the moments I’m really vulnerable are the moments that really connect, and that my truth is also the truth for so many others. So here goes…
I have a deeply troubled relationship with my body. Years of training to become a professional dancer (and then working as a professional dancer) did a lot of damage to my own body image. When I was coming up in the dance world, specifically ballet, there was really only room for one very specific type of body––and I did not possess it. As I went through puberty I developed curves, something frowned upon for women in the ballet world. When I looked in the mirror, all I saw was disappointment in my soft curves, instead of beauty. It didn’t help that my teachers constantly reinforced that my body was not what they sought out. The constant criticism did little to lift my self esteem, and has stayed with me long past the teachers themselves.
It’s been a long journey for me to accept, and love, the parts of my body that don’t fit into the mold of what I was told they should be for so much of my life. It’s still something I battle. But in the midst of all of that, there’s always been a very intimate thing that makes me feel beautiful, despite the negative self talk––wearing beautiful undergarments. It’s an act of defiance against the world around me, and an act of love for my body and therefore, myself.
Undergarments cover the most vulnerable parts of our body––they should do more than just protect or support them. They should empower. When I put on one of my favorite bras, I feel empowered. I feel beautiful in the body I have, not the one I’ve been told all my life I should want. That feeling is what I hope to give to you, with Petal + Ash. I want to empower other women to feel good in their bodies.
There is absolutely the element of creating garments in a responsible way, that aligns with caring for and repairing our planet. That is a huge driver for me and my mission. But insofar as answering the question, “why lingerie,” the above is my real and truthful answer.
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