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G roundbreaking, or perhaps a natural step of inclusion, fashion has become more open into accepting, both as models as well as customers people who are plus size. And Mr Patrick Herning understood it before anyone else, by opening in 2017 11 Honoré, the first e-commerce with brands such as Prabal Gurung, Christian Siriano, 3.1. Philip Lim and other major fashion houses, that sells clothes from size 10 to 24, allowing almost every woman the access to fashionable and branded clothes. For this reason, i decided to interviewMr Herning, discovering more about the philosophy behind 11 Honoré and the evolution he is planning for the Middle East with his e-commerce platform. Simply AbuDhabi: What does diversity mean to you? Patrick Herning: diversity is ensuring that the cultural lens isn’t focused on just a narrow few. Visibility and representation matter and our culture, from government to communities to media and fashion should accurately reflect the world we live in. Simply Abu Dhabi: Why you think diversity is so important for fashion? Patrick Herning: Again, because representation matters. it’s not only a certain segment of the population that should be able to participate in fashion. People should have the choice of how they want to present themselves. 11 Honoré is giving more women the opportunity to play a role in fashion and let fashion play a more significant role in their life. She now has a seat at the table and a voice among high-end designers within the industry. SimplyAbuDhabi:Why do you think that now andnot five or 10 years ago there was a need for diversity in fashion? Patrick Herning: The majority of American women are a size 16. designers can no longer ignore this fact and continue to perpetuate the insular focus of the fashion industry. Consumers want to see themselves reflected and also understand the power of their purchase. They want to support the businesses that support them and foster diversity and inclusivity. SimplyAbuDhabi:Do you find that designers aremore open about this topic? Patrick Herning. Absolutely. Through partnering with 11 Honoré, more designers not only understand the need to increase their size run but we facilitate the process to bring the collection to fruition. it’s a true partnership between us and designers. We want to create the best product for our shopper and make sure the designer feels supported. SimplyAbuDhabi: Fromthe list of designers that retail on the site, there is a lack of continental European designers, why? How can you explain that? Do you think that major Italian and French brands still need to understand this movement? Patrick Herning: Every designer and brand has to do what is best for their business and goals. The important thing is that the conversation about size, inclusivity and options is happening and it’s important for designers to join in and be a part of this movement in an authentic way. SimplyAbuDhabi:Many designers andCEOs have said in the recent time that “luxury is now inclusive”. In whichway do you think this sentence canwork, because both words are juxtaposed. Patrick Herning: really this is to say that luxury products/services are more accessible now than they were many years ago. The immersion of new ‘luxury’ brands, the fact that sneakers and t-shirts now fit into the luxury domain, the perception of luxury is no longer just couture; contemporary has entered the luxury space and is here to stay—making it way more inclusive than it ever was. Simply Abu Dhabi: So, can we say that diversity in fashion is a synonymof democracy in politics? Patrick Herning: democratic rule is forever the utopia we wish to have around the world; non-existent in many places and still not there yet. diversity in fashion is really in its infancy and here to stay and grow—it will need time but it’s on its way. Simply Abu Dhabi: What is the relationship between 11Honoré and theMiddle East? Patrick Herning: The Middle East is synonymous with women who love and know their fashion, have impeccable taste and shop for luxury brands. 11 Honoré is a luxury inclusive online platform for women to shop their much- loved brands in sizes US 10-20. They are so interlinked, as this woman is global, and most definitely Middle Eastern too. SimplyAbuDhabi:Howmuch is the region embracing this movement and how much potential do you see in it? Patrick Herning: The movement is in its nascency in the region; so much potential as women are truly embracing being themselves as they are. The reaction so far has been incredible, and we’ve only just begun. Simply Abu Dhabi: Will you also open up the site for men’s fashion or you want to remain related to women’s fashion? Patrick Herning: never say never; we’re now focusing on women as she has been underserved way more, and there is much to be done into so many categories. SimplyAbuDhabi:Do you think there is also aneed for diversity for men’s fashion? Patrick Herning: We think diversity in fashion as a whole is a fundamental; being true to oneself and finding clothes readily available should be prevalent for both genders for sure. Simply Abu Dhabi: How do you think people will perceive this movement in 10 years? Patrick Herning: People will wonder how a movement was even needed in 10 years; it will be very much embedded in society and we are here to smash those stereotypes. brands will not need approaching as they will be offering such sizes in future; designers will have this woman in mind while designing their collections. SimplyAbuDhabi: You retail incredible designers like Prabal Gurung, Marchesa, 3.1. Philip Lim, which are for you the key items for spring? Patrick Herning: The key items for Spring are classic pieces in unexpected fabrications—a trench coat in blush laminated lace from yigal Azrouel; a cotton button-front shirtdress in a large scale, romantic floral print from Marchesa; a blouse in rich, maroon velvet from JCobando; a track pant in black sequins from Sachin & babi. SimplyAbuDhabi: Andwhich are the three pieces that every woman should have in her wardrobe? Patrick Herning: A little dress, a blazer, and a belt! Simply Abu Dhabi: What are the future plans for 11 Honoré in the comingmonths? Patrick Herning: Launching the first ever inclusive runway during nyFW showcasing the breadth of our collections from various designers in February. We’re also in the process of growing by expanding our range of luxury brand offerings, in addition to tapping into new markets. Watch this space! 1 5 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I