Fashion – White Orchid Insights

Coco Alexander – The Chic Diaper Bag Designed by a Hong Kong Mother for Stylish City Mums

Sarah Keates — Sat, 08 May 2021 23:44:41 +0000

We sat down with Emma Farnen, founder of the Coco Alexander diaper / nappy clutch to unpack the bag, the brand, and why she developed it after many frustrating baby change moments in Hong Kong.

Hi Emma, what is the Coco Alexander nappy clutch?
The Coco Alexander nappy or diaper clutch is a baby changing bag that looks like a chic fashion bag but has all the practical elements any new mother needs. It unrolls to reveal multiple pockets that hold diapers, wipes, and creams etc. It is made from a gorgeous, wipe clean, faux leather which is certified as recycled making it a great stylish and sustainable option for the mamas that want to make responsible choices about what they consume and the products they choose in relation to protecting the environment for generations to come.
Why did you create the nappy clutch?
I created the nappy clutch because, as a new mother, I wanted to look chic and stylish when out and about in Hong Kong with my gorgeous baby girl in tow. As a working mother in Hong Kong, I wanted fuss free and style all rolled into one and I also wanted to be able to change my baby anywhere without carrying around an enormous bag. Raising a baby in Hong Kong comes with many perks, such as great help but it also comes with its drawback including the lack of changing facilities. I was fed up with the only option being a dirty floor in a dirty bathroom, so I set about finding a solution. Coco Alexander was born about 5 months after my eldest, Coco, was born. I developed the bag so it could be used to change my baby on my lap. The easy access pockets are essential for lap changing and the net fabric means everything is visible so no more rooting around looking for the items you need to change your baby. Soft and warm to the touch fabric was so important for me, I didn’t want Coco laying on a plasticky fabric that’s cold and uncomfortable. I wanted her to be changed in comfort and style!
What are your sustainability goals for the brand?
Sustainability is so important for me, yet, as a small business with limited resource, I know there’s a long way to go for the brand. When starting out, it’s hard to hit all the minimum order quantities for some of the best choices of sustainable fabrics and trims. So, I started with the faux leather as this is the key component of the diaper changing bag and the lining that protects the inside of the faux leather. Both fabrics are certified recycled which makes me feel easier about the (lower) impact they are having on the earth. The next step was ensuring the bag to be plastic free; the packaging is all paper, no plastic in sight and the packing tape is compostable. I hope soon all components will be recycled and that’s what I’m working towards now. Eventually I want to find materials that leave no impact on the environment, this part of the fashion industry is improving and growing so quickly, and I want to make sure Coco Alexander is part of the change. I believe that sustainability is a journey that starts in consciously making better choices and then being committed to continuous improvements as we go along. I see a lot of brands afraid to make sustainable switches for fear of being criticised for not being perfect. Imperfect action is better than no action, and I’m committed to working towards being as sustainable as we can be, while accepting it won’t be a perfect process.
Who are your customers?
A CA mama is a mum who wants to look stylish and retain her style after having children, she’s proud to be a mother and enjoys showing off her gorgeous baby. She loves to find accessories or in this case a diaper bag that matches her OOTD. Raising a baby in a city means less ability to carry everything with you and the CA mum gets that so wants a bag that makes it easier for her to take what she needs rather than the kitchen sink! The CA mum loves to look great, enjoys fashion, and wants life to be made that little bit easier, she loves the fact she can throw the diaper changing bag under her arm, in her tote or under the baby’s stroller.
What’s it like to be a mother in Hong Kong?
In a nutshell, chaotic and amazing! Life seems to go at 100 miles per hour in Hong Kong and raising a baby in in the city doesn’t seem to slow it down! Maternity leave is super short here, around 14 weeks for most mums, so you’re thrown into trying to find the balance between work and motherhood very quickly. That said, being a mum in Hong Kong has allowed me to advance in my career, develop Coco Alexander, and nurture amazing children that I hope will be very international in their outlook on life and will live anywhere they want and do anything they set their minds to. Hong Kong is home and we are very blessed to live here.
Where can people find out more about Coco Alexander?
You can head over to www.coco-alexander.com, IG/FB @CocoAlexanderFashion or drop us a question on WhatsApp on +852 9737 7364.

You may also be interested in reading: How Fashion is Embracing Sustainability

How Fashion is Embracing Inclusivity and Sustainability to Survive

Sarah Keates — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 11:45:01 +0000

Sarah Keates, Founder WOI caught up with Alina Kotsiuba, a New York based stylist and producer of international fashion shows to discuss fashion's evolution towards sustainability and inclusivity.

What is your background and how did you get started in fashion?

I am originally from the Ukraine and now based in New York. I grew up during very uncertain times as my home country was trying to become independent. During that time of economic crisis fashion was not a priority so my dream of becoming a stylist was postponed for many years.

I put my dream to one side and completed university. I achieved my bachelor’s degree (mostly to keep my family happy) and I worked in the corporate world. Like so many others, I was always looking for a way out and I knew I needed something more.

One day I decided to break free, and I left a well-paid job to join a Style and Design Academy. It was a big step into the unknown. Looking back, this was a turning point in which I gained control of my life through pursuit of my greatest passion. I graduated at the top of my class and got a job offer from one of the Ukraine’s largest and most well known television channels. That’s how my professional journey began.

10 years later, I look back, and I am proud of my portfolio: TV projects, music videos with international stars, editorial photoshoots for renowned brands, and my personal favourite – fashion shows in New York and Paris.

How has the fashion industry been affected by COVID-19?

Every person, industry, and community in the world has been affected and we live in a totally different reality compared to that in 2019. Creative industries have been hit hard, but as a group we are strong, resilient, and adaptive – we need to change to survive.

The fashion industry along with many others is becoming digitised. Whilst e-commerce booms, retail has suffered huge losses. There are opportunities here but shopping as experience is largely on pause, if not over.

Fashion comes to life through the stores in the form of merchandising and retail “magic”. The excitement and thrill of trying on a new garment and pairing it up with other pieces or accessories cannot be replicated online.

Only the strongest brands have survived 2020. Only the most courageous, creative and innovative young designers were able to penetrate the market and thrive. Whilst legacy brands struggled to tempt consumers, disruptive storytellers emerged with brand new concepts. The world was crying out for change and some brands starting trending when they showed fashion to be more than just clothes. These new players started broadcasting their unique stories and building a genuine dialogue with their customers. Fashion has become much more expressive and representative of values, persona, and individuality than ever before.

This year it is not only about looking good, but also about being practical, staying safe, speaking to your values, and giving back to your community.

Gucci made waves with its inclusive modelling campaign, is this a trend we can expect to see others follow?

Definitely. Inclusivity has been massive in high fashion for years, the high street followed, social media demanded more and now it cannot be ignored. Brands need to be able to relate to individuals all over the globe. Fashion is part of our life, it is in our DNA, no matter a person’s shape, religion, or ethnicity. Beauty stems from diversity.

To what extent are designers embracing “normal sized” models?

The market has become much more competitive and every brand needs to adapt. “Perfect” size standards are disappearing from fashion, even from the runway. Consumers don’t want to buy from “perfect” images anymore, they need someone relatable. Designers are reacting to the demands of the market, they are creating pieces for “real people”. Change will take time, but the industry is on the right track.

Is sustainability going to be a big trend for the fashion industry?

Yes, for sure. Collectively, we need to be more responsible and everyone has to contribute. Consumers are moving away from fast fashion towards items that can be worn for years and styled in many ways. Buying clothes now is an investment into one’s comfort and presentability, people are more likely to spend more money for something that not only will make them look good, but also will remain timeless and will be worn for many seasons.

You produce fashion shows, what are the 3 biggest challenges of doing this?

New York and Paris Fashion Weeks are about managing chaos, supervising and leading a team of 200+ creatives and having the friendliest smile on your face whatever is happening. It is the most nerve racking and stressful week of the year! During the shows, I barely sleep or see my family, but there is a magic to the production that I love. I thrive under the pressure, I love every second of my day, the adrenaline and thrill keeps me going and this incredible energy cannot be found anywhere else.

Why is fashion important?

Fashion is a form of art incorporated into our daily life, it has so much power and so much meaning. No matter what sceptics say, fashion is an expression. It has the power to tell a story, boost confidence, and provide a mirror into our soul.

Where can people learn more about you?

For Fashion inspiration and styling tips you can find me on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/alinakotsiubka/?hl=en

You may also be interested in reading – Removing Microplastics – Eco Glitter Brings Sparkle and Sustainability to Hong Kong Events