Cut The Dupe inspires the next generation

The future of fashion is in good hands with this round of guests who took to the GU Creator’s House main stage on Sunday afternoon. Tastemakers Wole Olosunde, Sierra Rena and Zay Morris joined GU’s Social Media Manager Rhyann Sampson for an insightful conversation about the future of fashion during the “Cut The Dupe” panel.

Olosunde began the conversation by talking about the growth of her brand, Against Medical Advice, and how the idea was born from mentorship from a seamstress.

As a trauma nurse in the emergency room, the clothing designer learned how to sew clothes. Learning how to piece together fabrics inspired him to design clothes for himself and others.

“Guidance and mentorship are important in life,” Olsunde said. “Whether it’s my career as a nurse or as a designer, I’ve always wanted to pass on my knowledge to those who need it… Without guidance, it’s hard to find your way because you find it through trial and error. Trying and failing costs money and time. Honestly, sometimes all you need is guidance on how to do something to make it work.”

The conversation continued with Rena as she discussed the importance of embracing her young age and using it to disrupt conventional norms in the fashion industry.

“I don’t know many other 22-year-olds who are working at this level in celebrity styling,” Rena said. “With my eyes and my creativity, I’m able to show my personality and show that fashion is supposed to be fun… If you’re passionate about it (fashion), your passion will shine through. When I go to these places, I’m honestly letting God speak through me.”

Rena has an extensive resume styling celebrity clients like Monet McMichael, SZA, Tyla, and more. As an emerging stylist, she understands the value of inclusivity by inspiring confidence in her clients of all body types and sizes, while keeping their personal style in mind.

“We’re in a completely different generation now,” Rena continues. “Anyone can become a model or walk the runway, so it’s important to know how to adapt to different body types. Fashion is changing and we have to be ready to flatter everyone, not just those who are a size 10 or 12.”

Morris ended the discussion by highlighting how Southern culture and music influences his creative fashion designs.

“I don’t think Southern designers get enough credit for the creativity they bring to the fashion world,” Morris said. “A lot of the stuff that happens in bigger cities starts in the underground, and I’m extremely connected to that culture.”

Morris founded the multidisciplinary design house Saint Michèle Atelier, based in New Orleans. The fashion giant is a pioneer in its field, blending fashion and environmentalism with a focus on sustainability. A jack-of-all-trades, Morris’ creative mediums include photography, film, furniture and interior design, and ready-to-wear fashion. Exploring his various passions helps the designer find inspiration for his current and future projects.

“Experimentation is the most important part of my brand,” Morris continues. “I try something and if it doesn’t work, I abandon it. I come back and try again when I have the tools to perfect the process.”

Although differences between fashion’s changemakers were highlighted, all agreed that the future of fashion depends on people’s ability to embrace their originality and use their passions as sources of inspiration.

“It’s by giving yourself the space to not do what’s expected of you that you truly find what motivates you,” Sampson concludes.