Chicago fashion designer Cristy Pratt is bringing inclusivity to fashion, unapologetically.
Her clothing line, Morph Clothing, is dedicated to representing pieces that include all ethnicities, genders, ages and body sizes. This element of inclusivity is important to her brand, and, from what she said, "important for the entire world."
Who'd knew that a night out with the ladies would be the start of a dress that has swept the entire fashion industry? Pratt sure had no idea, but now she's in the fashion limelight, and it's all because she is seeking to make fashion more inclusive.
"I am not a trained fashion designer. I did not go to school for fashion," admitted Pratt. Her grandmother left her a sewing machine when she was just a young girl. She began her business in a closet space that she transformed into a small office.
That's how the hobby began. Even without much experience, Pratt became determined to start her own fashion line.
While out with her best girlfriends one night, Pratt wore what is now known as her "One Dress for All" piece. It is a dress that fits all body sizes and can be worn 60 different ways. The dress has been featured on Fox 32 and several fashion shows in major cities, including Chicago and Miami. Morph Clothing was also featured as part of the BET Awards Exclusive Gifting lounge this year and the MTV VMS Red Carpet.
Pratt's clothing line took off after the debut of her "One Dress for All" concept. The idea is that one dress can be worn several ways really resonated in the industry. More importantly, the idea that Pratt was considering all body types, any age, every curve on anyone regardless of culture or gender, is what made her design so special. The dress became popular and went viral. Over the last few months, she said she's been selling to places and people she didn't even know existed.
"I design my pieces to look good on any body size. I wanted to create a piece that whatever you love about your body, you show it off. Whatever you hate, you can hide, too," said Pratt. "The world is ready for change. People are turning more self-accepting."
Pratt is a strong believer of embracing who you aree and hoping that one day the world realizes why that is so importantnot just in fashion but throughout all facets of life.
"My goal is that hopefully we realize it isn't what we are but who we are. Gender and sexuality identity become secondary to who we really are."
Recently, Pratt debuted some of her latest designs during Chicago Fashion Week's Trans and Media show, a fashion show segment dedicated to the transgender community. Pratt said her pieces worked well on the runway, adding it was great to see transgender models wearing her pieces.
"I hope that my piece provides a chance for people to be themselves. I believe that sexual persuasion is not a continuum. I don't think anybody is totally straight. Whether people act on fantasies or go out and create relationships, we are all the same thing," said Pratt.
Although Pratt, a single mom of two, does not identify as a member of the LGBTQ community, she said she will always be open to loving who you are.
"When we have the opportunity to love more authentically, we become more loving in the world and less defensive of who we are," said Pratt.
In addition to inclusivity, a huge part of Pratt's message is that although someone may not have the resources, or the training they can still follow their dreams. Like many, she experienced struggles as she grew her business.
"It's a beautiful journey. I didn't start with any capital investment, I just worked hard," said Pratt. "My goal is that hopefully we realize it isn't what we are but who we are. Gender and sexuality identity become secondary to who we really are. If we can't get pass these labels, and even we identify, we can't move a place to where it's love and acceptance."
To shop Morph Clothing, visit MorphClothing.com .