Editor’s Letter: Year in Review

For me, 2023 will always be the year that went by in a whirl. Maybe it’s because 2023 was the first year since the Covid pandemic began that things were really “back to normal” – we went out without masks, we gathered in groups without panicking that we were at a superspreader event, and basically just got back to living our lives.

What we worried about instead was the state of our politics, the wars and regional tensions around the globe, and the climate challenges we face.

And while these are serious concerns, fashion and design are not frivolous pursuits; as professionals in creative industries, our jobs are an intrinsic part of modern culture. That’s why historically, fashion – just like design, architecture, art, and the performing arts – reflects the time we live in. As the character Jackie Kennedy points out in the film, Jackie, “Objects and artifacts last far longer than people and they represent important ideas in history, identity, beauty.” At the end of the day, as creatives our job is to produce something that will emotionally impact our audience and - if we are lucky - influence others in the future.

So, as we move forward into the new year reminding ourselves why we do the work we do, remember to believe in your own creative vision, and amplify it by continuing to innovate, because building a brand is not about quick wins but rather long-term momentum. For any brand needing guidance with their business going into 2024, I will be rolling out new initiatives next year and am always available to talk with you about your unique situation.

As you gather with your friends and family this holiday season, be grateful for the love and support of those special people in your life – I know I am. Wishing you good health and much happiness in 2024. -xo