When we first began, we knew that we wanted to celebrate people and provenance. That meant having products that were not only bold and filled with stories, but they also had to be unisex, and inclusive to fit multiple sizes. Two years into the journey, we realized that our dreams were bigger than our business and it was not operationally possible for us to continue to offer a multitude of sizes in all of the styles. Now that we’ve grown, we’re doing what we wanted to years ago – committing to a range that celebrates multiple sizes in our community. It took us a while to get here, but we added some of our signature prints and styles to our Petite and Size 3 range. To celebrate these new sizes, it seemed befitting to ask our #mattertribe to join the photoshoot and be a part of this feat.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m from a city in the US not too far from Chicago but I’ve been living in Singapore since 2015 with my husband from the UK. We love to travel and so far have been to over forty countries together around Asia, Europe, and North America. Enjoying local cuisines is my favorite part when exploring somewhere new. I also love being outside and riding my bike. After my time in Singapore, I plan to go back to school to get a Masters Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy.
Share a story that inspires you.
A few years ago, my husband and I were traveling in Taiwan. We were on our way to the port town, Keelung, and decided to take a break and have a snack in a square outside the train station. As we were sitting, we watched this young boy and his grandfather playing with this empty can of iced coffee and having the best time. The grandfather would toss the can into the air and the boy would eagerly chase it as it bounced around. I loved seeing this moment of a grandfather and his grandson enjoying a beautiful afternoon outside not needing much else other than each other’s company. Even when, at one point, a giant spider crawled out of the can, neither were bothered and they carried on with their game. It was inspirational because it reminded me to live in the moment and to appreciate what’s already around me.
What is the relationship you have with your clothes?
My relationship with my clothes has been in a state of transition lately. I used to buy all my clothes from stores in shopping malls but would never really wear the clothes after a few months. Recently, I’ve been discovering different ethical clothing brands that are more unique and higher quality. As a result, I’ve been choosing to shop less often and really only buying something if I love it, not just for the sake of having something new.
What does the way you dress say about who you are?
When I travel somewhere new, I like to observe what everyone is wearing and take elements from that style to add to my own wardrobe. I want my clothes to reflect this mixture of my experiences and observations from abroad. The more unique something is, the more I love it.
What item of clothing makes you feel most like yourself?
I have this long silky wrap skirt that’s gold with a pink paisley and floral pattern on one side and a green and red floral pattern on the other (yes, it’s reversible!). I love wearing it because it’s easy, comfortable, and versatile but also unique and special. I bought it on a shopping trip with my mom and it always reminds me of the fun day we had together.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability to me means being conscious in my day-to-day actions. I try to be aware of everything I do to avoid being wasteful. Recycling, using less water and electricity, and reducing the amount of plastic I use are just a few simple steps I take to live more sustainably.
#ChangeBeyondTextiles is…
Purchasing clothes that are making more of a difference. Everyone wears clothes and most people don’t know where their clothes come from. Bringing awareness to where and how our clothes are made is the first step to enacting change to help the environment and the lives of those working in the textile industry.
What is one thing you stand for and believe in, and why?
In a world with so much news and information at our fingertips, I stand against those that spread hate and prejudice to others. No one should be judged by the color of their skin, their nationality, or their religion. No one should view anyone as lesser because of these differences. These differences make the world diverse and that diversity is what makes it such an interesting place to live. Acceptance and understanding widens perspectives and brings people together.
How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who tried to take full advantage of my life, as someone who appreciated each day I was given and used my time to benefit others. I still have a long way to go to achieve the goals I have for my life, but in the meantime, I’m trying to remember to enjoy each day as it comes.
We are proud to have Kelsey as a Fieldtester, a group of inspiring individuals that test MATTER products in their everyday journeys of passion, to help us improve durability and design. Kelsey is 178 cm and usually wears US 6-8, for MATTER items she’s a size 2 through and through. She is wearing our Sideswept Dhoti + Chambray Chili and Classic Jumpsuit + Falcon Dusk in Size 2.