Love,Grace
inspired by women's essential war contributions spokesman's fall 2023 ready-to-wear collection follows the imaginary diary of grace banker, the chief operator of mobile for the American Expeditionary Forces in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during WW1. She led 33 female operators on the war front for 20 months and came back home as a civilian and raised 4 children with her husband for the rest of her life. each look celebrates specific roles throughout her life. from wife, to mother, even widow, and of course, phone operator. along with combining military- inspired silhouettes, " love, grace" utilitarian details, and delicate feminine drapes, pays homage not only to the past but any modern woman balancing the needs of family and career. by utilizing each piece of our cut yardage to rework into patchwork and dyeing our own fabric, sustainability is at the core of this collection hoping to inspire others to consider the environmental impact of their own fashion choices, spokesman vows to donate partial earnings to organizations, such as "girl rising" that are using the power of storytelling to provide quality education for young girls.
Grace's Story
Look 1- The bride
Representing the bittersweetness of getting quickly married before their loved ones get sent to war, this look contains a combination of details that comes from old military uniforms and a bridal look.
Look 2- The Phone Operator
Often referred to as ‘Hello Girls’, Grace was the chief of the telephone operator department. This look specifically represents the crucial contribution of women to military communications during the war.
Look 3- The mother
Many women had to manage households and support the family while their husbands and sons were away at war. The practicality that this look represents shows how resourceful and responsible mothers had to be.
Look 4- The Widow
Highlighting women’s sacrifices during World War 1, Grace’s story ends as a widow, maturing and overcoming the pain and suffer she had been through throughout her life
