Why Zendaya's Inclusive Clothing Line Is Important to Black Women
If I told you that I’ve found a safe space that combats classism, gender norms, size discrimination, and colorism, you would never think I'm talking about an online clothing store. But Zendaya just accomplished exactly what the fashion industry has failed to do. She created a clothing line that's truly inclusive.
As a 17-year-old Black womanist with an unconventionally beautiful body shape, Zendaya's clothing line, Daya by Zendaya, speaks to me in a powerful way. Her collection feels inclusive and welcoming of my size, my race and even my budget — in an industry where marginalized groups are regularly ignored and devalued. There is something about wearing clothing that you know was intended for you to wear. It makes me feel beautiful, and not other-ed. My identity wasn't a mere afterthought for Zendaya, but she produced the clothing line with people like me in mind. That ostensibly small detail has a significant impact: my body size is normalized, gender norms are erased, and safe spaces are cultivated. Here are 3 reasons why Zendaya's clothing line is the change the fashion industry needs.
Getty Images for Daya by Zendaya1/41. It was created with anyone, and everyone, in mind.
Through the line, she revels in her ability to self-express, and provides a space for other people to join in on that act. Zendaya’s line is accessible and affordable, with sizes ranging from 0 to 22 and prices falling under $160. On top of that, the models sporting her clothing are from different backgrounds, and they variate in skin tone and hair texture.
Getty Images2/42. It defies gender norms.
An androgynous clothing line eliminates the struggle of having to choose a gender to identify with when shopping, which can be an especially taxing practice for non-binary or gender-fluid people. To wear a clothing item that has not been categorized or socialized is a comfort that some shoppers have never known.
Getty Images for Daya by Zendaya3/43. It is an example of how we can use privilege for good.
Zendaya didn't have to include sizes for people who don't look like her, and she didn’t have to consider people with different gender identities than her. She gave up some of her privilege as a conventionally beautiful cis-gender woman, and made fashion accessible to all. She thought about the safety of people other than herself and in doing so, set an example that other fashion designers should follow.
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Related: Zendaya Just Debuted the Most Inclusive Fashion Line EVER
