It’s Pride Month here and what better time to write about what may be the most amazing thing I’ve ever been a part of!

Over the last year I have been working with the store Your Open Closet, an all-inclusive undergarment store here in Vancouver, their claim being “Body positive undergarments for all genders” and they mean it! Not only do they carry a selection of Oona Unders in the store, along with several other great brands, but as a team we have developed a small line of undergarments designed specifically for the LGBTQ2+ Community. I don’t know if I’ve ever been more proud to be a part of something! It’s an incredible way to put to use the skills and experience I’ve gained over the last 20 years and I only hope to continue on this path with the folks at YOC. There is always an opportunity to learn and do something helpful!

When the indication is given that a specific kind of undergarment is in demand, the ladies at YOC take note and, when the time is right, they approach me. Together, we decide what we are aiming to accomplish and the design and sampling process begins. I make a pattern and a sample of what we have in mind and, with the help of an amazing community of people around us, the sample is tried and tested and feedback is given. Once the pattern is exactly where we think it should be, production begins. I grade the pattern to the sizes it will be available in and then cut and sew every item in the Oona studio. The label sewn into the garments is the Your Open Closet label as it’s ultimately their product for their customers; however, Oona does have the privilege of playing a part in getting it to them.

To date, the available items in the YOC-exclusive line are half-binders, tucking pants and gaff pants. There are also gender-affirming children’s sizes in the gaff pants for those at an age where self-discovery is in process. There are more products currently in the works and they will debut when the patterns are just right!

To check out what Your Open Closet is all about, go to their website here: https://youropencloset.com/

Everybody counts, plain and simple.

X’s and O’s

T*