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Stitch Fix, the one-stop shop for all of your personal styling and online shopping needs, recently launched its second Elevate Collection. For those of you unfamiliar, Elevate collaborates with up and coming designers and entrepreneurs of color with the goal to diversify the fashion landscape. Since its first launch back in 2021, the program has granted a $25,000 cash grant to each recipient along with mentorship from Stitch Fix’s top executives, and this year’s collection features work from six Black designers and brands: Besida, BruceGlen, Edas, Gracemade, Megan Renee, and Taylor Jay.
Programs like Stitch Fix’s Elevate are monumental, especially in the fashion industry where there are problematically too few designers or creative directors of color. For example, of the 69 designers and creative directors at major fashion brands, only four were Black, as reported by the New York Times. Not only did Stitch Fix’s Elevate program grant mentorship and monetary support, it allowed grantees access to Stitch Fix’s data, which meant that the designers could get insights on the industry and scale or further invest in their brands.
“One of my favorite parts of the program was getting to work with the Sitch Fix buyers to create exclusive pieces only available on StitchFix.com,” says Jasmine Rennie, CEO and founder of Gracemade, a faith-driven woman’s apparel brand that delivers modest and fashion-forward pieces. “We were able to [conceptualize] ideas and put a fun spin on some of our classic styles while keeping the collection DNA intact. It’s always exciting to create something limited that you can’t find anywhere else!” In addition to mentorship, Rennie says that Stitch Fix will continue to work with grantees’ post-program to “elevate” them even after the collection launches.
From modest-yet-stylish jumpsuits or bold-printed puffer jackets, here are seven functional and stylish pieces from Stitch Fix’s Elevate Collection. It’s the wardrobe upgrade you never thought you needed.
Taylor Jay is a womenswear line that keeps functionality and everyday comfort in mind and boasts basics with a flare. Made of a blend of spandex and model, this London Jumpsuit has a forgiving-yet-sexy silhouette that makes it easy to transition outfits from day to night (it’s like two outfits for the price of one).
Sizes available: S-M
Colors: Burgundy
A sustainable brand, Megan Renee’s collection features statement pieces, including this fun-printed organic silk button up. Each piece was crafted out of deadstock fabrics, and the designs were printed digitally to reduce waste, ink, water consumption (yay for the environment). It looks so good with trousers and some booties.
Sizes available: S-2XL
Colors: 2
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BruceGlen’s collection features bold, colorful, and you-can’t-find-anywhere pieces, and this Love Check puffer is everything. The colorful, checkered jacket makes this a fun piece to rock when temperatures dip. Who says you have to sacrifice style in the name of weather?
Sizes available: XS-2XL
Colors: Multi-color
Each piece in the Besida collection has been crafted in Benin City, Nigeria by local tailors, and the brand offers bold prints and silhouettes inspired by African heritage. This jogger boasts colorful leaves throughout the pant, marrying comfort and style.
Sizes available: S-2XL
Colors: 2
Whether you’re heading to work or taking a stroll at the park, a personal bag is a must-have. The Maria bag features an over-the-shoulder strap and a large space to carry all of your essentials and has a simple design that will last the tale of time. EDAS, a Brooklyn-based accessories company, was founded by Sade Sims, who uses the brand to advocate for more conscious consumption.
Colors: Tan
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