GRAZIA USA‘s March 2022 issue featuring cover star Lana Condor, is centered around the theme of hope. South African activist, Desmond Tutu famously said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light, despite all of the darkness.” After over two years amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is finally starting to remerge to a new normal with the return of in-person fashion shows and award ceremonies. The shared experience everyone has been through has left many with a hopeful and optimistic mindset for the future. As we enter new chapter of navigating the pandemic, GRAZIA looked to eight fashion luminaries to share the lights of their lives.
Diane von Furstenberg, Designer
“Be true to yourself and do the best you can. Look for the light. Grow the light. Share the light. It’s the light that pushes the darkness away.”
Luke Meagher, (@Hautelemode) Fashion Commentator
“I would say I’m excited about quite a bit. The ability to actually converse more openly about fashion’s issues is one; the slow but hopefully growing pivot to include a diverse range of bodies on the runway and in campaigns [is another], and even pushes for fabric circularity and access through a range of fashion businesses. But, I feel the most hopeful when I hear younger fashion businesses discuss their lack of desire to grow into conglomerated behemoths, from Christopher John Rogers to Peter Do to Chopova Lowena. This idea of scaling a fashion business to astronomical heights and forgoing quality in order to create vast quantities has lost the plot of what fashion is about. It’s not about branding everything under the sun, but about well-made clothing and product. These young businesses recognize that and want to keep their worlds smaller and more community-based, which is lovely to see.”
Edward Barsamian, Creative Consultant
“Seeing what comes out of this shared, collective experience — the pandemic — gives me hope. It’s been a period of reflection for many, and the results — from art and music to fashion and film — have been inspired. On a more fun note, I’m really hopeful for more travel. I miss the ability to hop on a plane to Europe on a random weekday.”
Bach Mai, American Couturier
“What makes me hopeful for the future is the fashion industry’s growing openness to change — whether this is in regard to rethinking modes of functioning and the system at large, the ongoing and important discussion regarding inclusivity, or even the amazing innovations I am seeing in the textile sector, particularly with regards to sustainability. The fashion industry has always been the harbinger of change, so it gives me great hope that we are reimagining even some of our most deeply ingrained conventions in order to forge a better path towards the future.”
Nili Lotan, Designer
“Despite these challenging times, I am as hopeful as I’ve ever been. I believe that the past two years have helped so many of us put our priorities in place and check in with regards to all parts of our lives. I’m looking forward to seeing my children move forward successfully with their lives and their talents. I’m looking forward to many family gatherings, trips, happy occasions, and to spending time with my four-month-old granddaughter. I’m looking forward to seeing my business grow, and to reaching so many more women.”
Rajni Jacques, Global Head of Fashion & Beauty, SNAP
“Finding hope and delight amongst the chaotic — and lately, often melancholy — environment we live and work in at the moment, has been my motivation. Taking the time to connect with what you have is the key to making sure you stay happy. Family and chosen family is essential to my positivity in the world.”
