Yes January is almost over but I wanted to say “Happy New Year” and all that jazz regardless.

2009 was a good year for Body Politik.  This company started out as an idea, a goal back in 2008…..just months before the stock market crashed.  Not the right time to start a company but I was not discouraged by the turn of events.  I just took my time gathering info, making samples, and allowing the company to solidify in a natural way.

A year and a half in and we have collaborated for a shoot in Jezebel and have had the fortune of aquiring energized customers.  We have also had the pleasure of creating a modest premiere collection and had a blast working with a handful of creatives in various fields (makeup, hair, web, photography, print, textiles, etc) for a photoshoot of said items.  We have been blogged about, are collaborating wit a videographer,  have been asked to participate in 2 fashion shows and are regulars at the monthly Bodega pop-up store event.

The shows mentioned are a part of a current project that will be launched in March.  Stay tuned.

This journey has been exciting, frustrating, and fulfiling.  I am pleased with the shape we have taken and excited to see where it will go from here.  Many things will remain a constant, however.  Body Politik will maintain a dedication to local manufacturing.  Currently it’s so local that it’s in my house (and Emily’s apartment.  She is our in house textile designer.) but when it out grows the homes I pledge to maintain local and domestic production to, you know, create jobs locally.

Another constant will be our focus on sustainability.  The locality of goods and production lends to that.  As does our penchant for sustainable fibers and repurposed goods.  Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute.

Currently the calender we work on is more instant as in you have 2 months to come up with a collection for a season that will start 3 months after you show it.  My only qualms about the time restraint is the lack of hands making things but that will change soon enough I’m sure.  I am a  fan of the instant gratification that the collection aims to serve as well as the ability we have to infuse our customers personality and fit to their order.  And because we are unorthodox I feel free to explore various outlets that are included in textile arts.  You’ll see what I mean in March.

We also pledge to promote a positive body image.  No size zeros.  Frankly current model sizes are disturbing, distracting, unattainable and unrealistic.  The way I see it is if the average consensus is that I (a true size 6) am considered to be skinny then it’s small enough to be used as the sample size. I want to celebrate and comfort the female form, not torture it.

So thank you for expressing interest in Body Politik.  2010 will be a great year for us and we are happy that you are along for the ride.   Also, be sure to connect with us socially/digitally via our mailing list, twitter, and facebook page

Best regards,

Oni