We were lucky to catch up with Remi Swen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Remi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business
One thing I love about runway shows is the energy and anticipation. Witnessing the culmination of months of creative work as the final looks come to life on the runway is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I thrive in the fast-paced, sometimes chaotic, atmosphere backstage. Being able to maintain a sense of calm and problem-solve under pressure is when I feel most in my element. Some
of my most interesting stories arose from fashion show and the behind the scenes occurrences.
One that comes to mind is in February of this year when I participated in during Milan Fashion Week. I had collaborated with a fashion production company to present pieces from my latest collection in Italy. Due to scheduling conflicts, I was unable to travel with any assistants, but the production company had assistants to help me so all seemed to go well.
The fittings initially went smoothly, we encountered a hiccup when one of the garments didn’t fit as expected – a pair of panties was too large. With only two days until the show, I had to act swiftly. I altered the garment believing that it would fit properly.
Yet still, the challenges didn’t end there. The following day, as I was about to finalize another outfit, I discovered that the presser foot for my sewing machine was missing. Despite my efforts to replace it, I was unable to find a replacement in time. With no other options, I resorted to hand-stitching the bralette and panties, a task that took considerably longer than using the machine.
On the day of the show, despite my preparations, I encountered a series of unexpected challenges. Initially, the panties that I had altered because they were too big, were now too small for the model, requiring immediate alterations backstage as The Pink Portal was the second brand to showcase on the runway. Adding to the frenzy, one of the models forgot her shoes, leaving us in a bind with no suitable footwear available.
Luckily, in a stroke of serendipity, I remembered an extra pair of shoes in my hotel room that happened to be the perfect size for the model. I ran to my room to retrieve them and returned in time to address the other issues at hand before the show.
With no assistant to assist me, I had to quickly make further alterations by hand, not only to the panties but also to two pairs of pants. I found myself without essential tools like shears and extra fabric. In a moment of resourcefulness, I utilized a seam ripper to adjust the panties and even repurposed a bra strap to extend them, albeit with some creative tucking to conceal excess threads.
Despite the chaos, the show was a success, and our brand received acclaim for the collection. The models remarked on my calm demeanor amidst the chaos, but, internally, I was extremely stressed. I was happy to have made it though and it was such a great feeling when it was over.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island to immigrant parents: my mother from Liberia and my father from Nigeria. Raised primarily by my mother, amidst the complexities of our family dynamics, I cherish both the fond memories and the darker times that shaped my upbringing. Despite the challenges, my mother infused our days with laughter and adventure. I recall how she would entertain us at the laundromat by driving in circles in the parking lot with us rolling around in the backseat having fun (this was before seatbelt laws). She also instilled in us the importance of education, ensuring we were proficient readers before kindergarten.
However, alongside the brightness of my childhood, there existed shadows. Following my parents’ separation, my mother remarried, my stepfather, who was physically abusive. Nights were spent barricaded in a bedroom, with a mattress propped against the door, used as a barrier between us and his rage. Yet, amidst the darkness, there was complexity. Though he was a source of fear for my mother, he never directed his violence towards me, complicating my understanding of him as a father figure.
This duality, living in two distinct worlds, is emblematic of my life’s narrative. It’s from this tapestry of experiences that my journey to becoming a designer emerged. From a young age, I possessed a keen eye for style and a love for art, nurtured by the rich tapestry of West African culture. Witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship of tailored garments and the significance placed on individuality within my community ignited a passion within me. The desire to create bespoke pieces, each imbued with its own story, was born from these multifaceted experiences that have shaped my path to becoming a designer.
Our brand distinguishes itself by rejecting the notion that respect is contingent upon a specific mode of dress. While we advocate for all forms of attire, including modesty, we challenge the cultural belief that appearance dictates worth. We champion the idea that respect transcends outward appearance, valuing women as individuals irrespective of how they choose to present themselves.
Embracing the complexity of women’s lives, our brand celebrates their ability to occupy various roles simultaneously—be it professional, sexual, or politically aware. Echoing Audre Lorde’s sentiment that our lives are not defined by single issues, we recognize and embrace the multifaceted nature of women’s experiences. Our brand encourages women to embrace their diversity and revel in the richness of their identities, setting us apart in the marketplace.
One memory that always sticks out to me is when we had our first local fashion show, we used women as models, most who had never modeled before. We had them work with a model coach, and they did an amazing job. Several women came up to me after the show and expressed praises for the event saying they had never been to a fashion show where they saw every single body type represented. It made them feel “seen” and was reassuring. This moment was one of many that assured me that we were moving in the right direction with The Pink Portal.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I started law school, the ability to keep going despite adversity was a constant theme. Legal Writing, a mandatory course, presented a formidable hurdle. While some classmates had the advantage of familial connections in the legal field, I did not have those things to my advantage. Despite being a proficient writer, legal writing proved to be entirely different. The first legal brief I submitted needed a great deal of improvement.
To get more assistance, I was referred to another professor in the Legal Writing Department whose approach bordered on hostility. Her condescension and inappropriate comparisons to her Ivy League-educated son threatened to shatter my resolve. However, driven by my overarching goal of graduating, I persevered. Every criticism, every discouraging remark only fueled my determination to excel. Despite the onslaught of insults, such as asking how I got there and how I expected to complete law school if I was already struggling, I managed to sifter through the negativity and pull out the constructive criticism, which helped immensely. Through her guidance, I honed my legal writing skills, culminating in a final brief lauded by my Legal Writing processor for its excellence.
While some faltered and succumbed to the pressure, I emerged stronger. As a law student intern, I was sought after for my writing abilities with seasoned attorneys entrusting me with critical writing tasks. Despite the adversity I faced, I not only survived but also thrived, a testament to the resilience that defines my journey.
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We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
As a Black woman navigating various roles in society, I have always embraced the concept of being multifaceted and intersectionality is woven into my daily experiences. I am a lawyer, mother, wife, and business owner who enjoys both sophistication and aspects of life that some may deem less refined. Despite this, prior to founding The Pink Portal, I kept different facets of my personality compartmentalized, largely due to my innate shyness and preference for privacy.
However, launching The Pink Portal sparked a profound realization – to truly thrive, I needed to embrace and showcase my authentic self unapologetically. It was a transformative awakening, compelling me to present my full identity to the world. I recognized that transparency and authenticity were integral for the success of my business. I became determined to serve as a role model for the women who supported The Pink Portal, demonstrating that embracing one’s complexities is not only acceptable but empowering.
Through this journey, I learned to reject the notion of presenting a one-dimensional persona. I embraced the freedom to discuss politics while enjoying outlandish social media content, to don a sharp suit one day and exude sensuality the next, to flaunt my natural hair one moment and opt for extensions the next. These varied aspects of myself represent the richness of my identity, and I no longer feel compelled to hide any part of it. This pivotal lesson has reshaped my approach to both my business and personal life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepinkportal.com
- Instagram: The_Pink_Portal
- Facebook: ThePinkPortal1
- Twitter: ThePinkPortal2
