By ELLEN LEWIS
This post is particularly prescient in these turbulent times, mainly because despite the obstacles, it reveals a modicum of progress in a sensitive LGBTQ niche. It regognizes the first ever effort to create solutions-based lingerie sized specifically for transgender women and all who identify as female.
Originally due to launch in March 2020, the Ms A London brand, conceived by longtime friends Winn Austin and Bok Goodall, was put on hold due to the pandemic. Winn’s personal knowledge of what this woman wants and needs, coupled with Boks design expertise informed their mission. This is not about a fetish look, shapewear, padding, cinching, or strapping the body in. Rather, it will be sized for women like Winn. (pictured here). To achieve this goal, the partners are collaborating closely on construction and fit with industry experts. They have formed a non-profit, My Size, and raising money to develop a sizing standard unique to this woman.
Bok and I have discussed how much this community is marginalized and her desire to raise visibility and acceptance for this oft devalued person. She states “We want Ms A to be the absolute best it can be and for this to happen we require to work closely with the Transgender community. We are already in consultation with Transgender individuals and organizations who represent them. We need the look, feel and tone of our range to chime properly before we go live.”
Because the fitting process is so personal and requires multiple in person settings, the Ms A London launch is now set (fingers crossed) for March 2021. Hopefully, Covid will not interfere again.
I decided that surfacing the topic now as the industry reaches for more inclusivity is important. Research has revealed that this enclave of women is far larger than surmised. And lately, I have noticed, through comments I receive on the blog and from articles I read, that the subject is percolating. Good for Bok and Winn to be first at the starting gate.
“I see you.
You are not alone. You are not invisible.
You are seen. You are seen. You are seen.
And my god, you are beautiful.”
Jeanette LeBlanc
