It's been four years since I began creating my line of special coats. I was working in the Nordstrom tailor shop doing tailoring and fitting for the Men's clothing Department. It was there that I met so many wonderful tailors, from all different countries.
At the time, there was a lot of talk in the news about immigrants and blaming them for our countries problems. I was stunned! I actually couldn't believe what I was hearing.
When I looked around my workplace I saw the most hardworking, dedicated beautiful people ever. They had all come to America from other places to build a new life. They were all contributing to this country with their skills and artistry as tailors, as well as parents, taxpayers, and members in the community - which brought beauty and confidence to so many. For example, when we had our Holiday party in the tailor shop every year, it was the most sought after lunch all year long! There was food from China, Persia, Greece, Vietnam, Guatemala, El Salvador, Hungary, Russia and many more.
It is this culture that we should be celebrating, the one that brings us all together.
The tailors I work with at Nordstrom
This thought always leads to the thoughts of my own mother. She moved here after WWII in search of a better life. I think of the story she told me of how she came here with nothing but a hand me down coat from a family friend which gave her the confidence to get on that ship and move far away from everything she knew.
It was then that I realized how powerful a coat can be! A coat is like armor, when we feel strong in our coat it can give us the courage to step into the world unafraid, confident and fabulous!
This is my Mom in her immigration photo.
That's why I decided to dedicate my line of coats to my mother and all the other immigrants that come to America and make it what it is today. The beauty and character that each person brings with them is what makes America so amazing.
My coats take inspiration from places all over the world. I would like to honor all those who come to America from other places, countries, and cultures. It is the unity and love which will keep us strong.
