See to me Simplicity has done an AMAZING job of adding diversity to their pattern covers for both vintage and regular garment patterns. I recently visited the website and was thrilled with the company's response to the sewists outcry.
Here are some examples:
VINTAGE:
COSTUMES:
MENS:
Now I know to some this was a big addo over nothing and you're wondering why I'm bringing this back up. But to me, if you're going to criticize you should also acknowledge when the company has responded to your criticisms...and I think Simplicity has done a wonderful job of rectifiying this situation. I'm sure that this will be carried over to all aspects of their social media channels now too. So kudos to Simplicity for thinking enough of the concerns of their consumers to change the optics.
BTW, I spent quite a bit of time on the website and now I've got a list of patterns that I need to purchase and add to my pattern collection. Just when did Simplicity get so cool! *LOL*
...as always more later!
I'm really glad to see the inclusion, and it's good to give credit for improvement. Why should all those models' faces be white? We all of us sew!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is good to see improvement in this area!
ReplyDeleteI remember your thoughtful critique earlier this year and the robust discussion about this topic. Thank you for your classy follow-up. Although hard to believe a corporation could be as tone-deaf as Simplicity was--obviously I believe the criticism was justified--it is important to note the improvements. I appreciate you drawing this to our attention. And I have found Simplicity patterns, particularly those for the plus-sized, to be well-fitting and stylish.
ReplyDeleteI agree when it comes to plus size patterns, I think Simplicity definitely is in the forefront of the Big 4. Now if they could just have great online sales I would be in pig heaven!
DeleteHey, that is good news! Well done, SImplicity! Now if you could just concinve them to sell in Canada, I could actually support them! ;)
ReplyDeleteGlad to see they have made some positive changes :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree, credit where credit is due. Folks notice and it does matter. On the way home in the car last Thursday, after seeing the movie Emoji, my granddaughter said, "One of the things I liked about this movie was that all the characters were cartoon icons. Usually I never see characters in movies who look like me, but I didn't think about it while I was watching this movie." My granddaughter is biracial. She is nine years old and she thinks about who looks like her in movies and on tv. It matters. Thank you for speaking up after "Hidden Figures." You showed your class by speaking now. Thank you! It matters.
ReplyDeleteWell said. Good on you Simplicity. Now if you would only be available in Canada (like Gillian said), I could and would support you.
ReplyDeleteI think it is because of the law about including French translations for everything in English. I would think they decided the cost to have everything done over and the new ones in the future was just too high. Won't they even ship to Canada if you placed an order?
DeleteKudos to you for your January post. I think it had an impact. I always like your writing skills and how you tackle an issue with a well written and factual post.
ReplyDeleteNot trying to stir anything up but in all honesty, I don't even notice the models. I look at line drawings only. But it is nice to know that Simplicity has listened.
ReplyDeleteYou're not stirring things up...many sewists only look at the line drawings. And all opinions are welcomed here.
DeleteA great tribute to Simplicity! When I began sewing my own clothes in 1972 there were only (that I can recall anyway!) 3 pattern companies to choose from: Butterick, Vogue, Simplicity (I think Burda was around but hard to find here in Canada) and I always sewed Simplicity just because it was touted as a a good place to start as a beginner. Vogue patterns had a reputation for being interesting but complicated (and the one dress I made with a Vogue pattern as a gift for my mom proved this to be absolutely true!). Zip forward 35 years and my return to sewing and everytime I see Simplicity I feel this little heart pull of affection yet I haven't bought a single one in the last 2.5 years! Their styles just haven't grabbed me but I will look at them more carefully going forward because they do have some nicer styles coming out.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's better, but there is not one dark skinned person of color. You don't find that a problem? I do like that they were responsive, but I still think that they have come up short.
ReplyDeleteIt does however prove that a concerted social media campaign really does work.
Actually there is a darker girl in one of the pictures...and honestly I'm not getting into the darkskin/lightskin debate about models. People of Color are every skin color. Also, I'm not slapping them for making the change. They made a step and I'm believing that they will continue to be aware and make more steps in the future.
DeleteYou are right; it's good to see more diversity across the advertising spectrum. What I hope for is that this becomes the norm; that the public learns to see this as ordinary and not anything unique.
DeleteI think it looks great. Lightskinned black girls have to eat too.
ReplyDeleteNice job circling back around to this issue. I think the pattern covers look much better. I really like the mens pattern you shared - what a cute 'Father & Son'. gaylen
ReplyDeleteI think Mimi G has done a lot to help Simplicity. She has a huge following, as we all know. And while "her" customers are on the website buying patterns, alienating them is not a good idea. It's good to see that they have listened to those who sews and what their customers want to see.
ReplyDeleteThat is my Wonder Woman. That photo of the two of them cheers my heart. Of course, WW doesn't cross paths with BatGirl....(when my fangroups collide, one often loses)
ReplyDeleteKeep at it, my dear.
Thank you for your insightful comments. Now if only Simplicity could get its act together on its website--so many issues!
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteCan you share what's on your Simplicity pattern list. I'm just curious about other sewers thoughts on pattern releases. I have public Pinterest boards with all the Patterns that I have and the Patterns that I like and that's how I keep track of patterns I want to buy and which ones I already own. My Pinterest @TRISH1374 If you want to take a look. Thanks.
Amen! Beautiful post!
ReplyDelete