"Fashion is a form of self-expression and everyone deserves to be seen."
This quote by Kerby Jean-Raymond emphasizes that fashion serves as a means for individuals to express themselves, and it should be accessible to all people. It suggests that everyone has the right to showcase their unique identity, personality, and culture through their choice of clothing, without any barriers or restrictions based on factors like race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Essentially, Jean-Raymond asserts that fashion is a tool for self-expression, which should be available to all members of society in order to foster inclusivity, diversity, and personal growth.
"We don't need to be afraid of taking up space. We deserve to take up space."
This quote by Kerby Jean-Raymond emphasizes self-empowerment and assertiveness, particularly within marginalized communities. It encourages individuals to claim their worthiness and right to exist without fear or hesitation, challenging societal norms that often suppress certain groups from fully expressing themselves and occupying space as equals. This message is universal, inspiring everyone to embrace their unique identities, demand respect, and advocate for fair representation in all areas of life.
"The most powerful thing you can be in life is yourself."
This quote by Kerby Jean-Raymond underscores the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance. It emphasizes that the highest form of power one can wield is being true to oneself – embracing individuality, unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives. By being genuine, one can foster a strong sense of identity, confidence, and resilience. This self-awareness and acceptance allow individuals to navigate life's complexities with authenticity, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact on the world around them.
"In order to create change, we must first be willing to see and understand the system that created the problem."
This quote by Kerby Jean-Raymond highlights the importance of critical self-reflection in driving meaningful change. To address and rectify social issues, it's crucial to recognize and comprehend the underlying structures or systems that have perpetuated those problems. By gaining insight into these foundational aspects, we can take purposeful actions aimed at dismantling oppressive systems and fostering more equitable environments. In essence, understanding the origins of a problem is the first step towards crafting effective solutions.
"We're here to make a difference, not just to sell clothes."
This quote from Kerby Jean-Raymond emphasizes the importance of using one's platform not only for commercial gain, but also for positive impact. In this context, "clothes" symbolize more than just fashion items; they represent a medium through which change can be initiated. By prioritizing making a difference, he suggests that fashion brands have the potential to influence society in a meaningful way beyond mere consumerism. This perspective encourages social responsibility within the industry, advocating for brands to use their resources and reach to promote positive changes such as sustainability, diversity, and ethical labor practices.
The way I was raised, you get a new pair of sneakers when the old one gets messed up. But when I got to high school, I started dating girls and trying to fit in, and I realized everybody was collecting Jordans. When I would get my paychecks, I wouldn't even take money. I would just trade them for sneakers.
- Kerby Jean-Raymond
In my shows, I always try to incorporate music because it's the most natural way to set a tone. So if I want to do a show about depression, I use the opera. If I want to do a show about greed, I use spoken word. If I want to do a show about the injustice that's taking place in the world, I might play Sam Cooke.
- Kerby Jean-Raymond
Think about how much fashion profits from black culture and how underrepresented we are in the industry. If you insist on using black celebrities to peddle your merchandise and add a cool factor to your front row, it is indecent to not care about the plights of that person's community.
- Kerby Jean-Raymond
If you put the collections together, whether it's Rick Owens, Alexander Wang, or whomever, sometimes they do streetwear, but they're never called that. They're always called 'sportswear' or 'high-end' or 'luxury.' I feel like I'm tossed into that streetwear category so that I don't exist in this space.
- Kerby Jean-Raymond
The work of black creatives seems to always get undermined in one way or another, and that's what this new generation is actively changing by speaking up. We aren't accepting group categorization and group classifications to describe our work anymore - it just leads to group dismissal.
- Kerby Jean-Raymond
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