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CEO Discusses Diversity, Heritage, and Brand Expansion at Universal Standard

With her business growth, Polina Veksler aims to nudge the fashion industry towards embracing a wider range of sizes for greater inclusivity.

CEO of Universal Standard Discusses Inclusion, Heritage, and Brand Development
CEO of Universal Standard Discusses Inclusion, Heritage, and Brand Development

CEO Discusses Diversity, Heritage, and Brand Expansion at Universal Standard

Universal Standard Redoubles Efforts to Revolutionize Fashion Industry

Universal Standard, a women's fashion label launched in 2015 by Polina Veksler and the late Alexandra Waldman, is set to announce a series of exciting developments aimed at further transforming the fashion industry.

Since its inception, the company has been committed to changing the industry's approach, focusing on sustainability, body positivity, and diversity. This commitment has seen brands shift their focus towards high-quality, timeless designs, responsible consumption, and inclusive sizing. The company's mission to prioritize durability, ethical production, and customer empowerment through transparent and tailored fashion offerings has had a significant impact.

The loss of founding partner Alexandra Waldman has led the company to focus on leaving a lasting legacy in fashion for her. In her memory, the team aims to double down on their mission and be remembered as one of the most important brands in fashion for changing the industry.

One of the key announcements is the introduction of a new work-ready collection. Prices for this line range from $76 to $298, offering a more affordable alternative to the majority of fast fashion. The new collection is more expansive than the company's previous office attire collection, providing a wider variety of options for customers.

Universal Standard also plans to collaborate with like-minded brands within the next year, further expanding its reach and influence.

The quality of Universal Standard's clothing sets it apart from the competition. The company produces clothing in sizes 00 to 40, ensuring that every woman can find a piece that fits her perfectly. This focus on fit has resulted in exceptionally low return rates for a direct-to-consumer company.

In addition to its commitment to size inclusivity, Universal Standard also offers a program called Fit Liberty. This program allows customers to exchange clothing for free if they go up or down in size, further demonstrating the company's dedication to empowering its customers.

CEO Polina Veksler sees the brand as Waldman's legacy and wants to continue pushing for a cultural shift that does not distinguish by labels like 'plus-size' or 'straight-size.' This commitment to size inclusivity is reflected in the company's sales figures, with over 2.5 million items of clothing sold and nearly $200 million in sales grossed.

Universal Standard's collections include basics, swimwear and underwear, plus a 25-piece collection of office-ready attire launching Aug. 21. The company occasionally holds annual sales to provide accessibility to its clothing.

Despite progress in recent years, there is still a lack of availability and conversation around size inclusivity in the fashion industry compared to four to five years ago. Brands are finding it difficult to maintain inclusivity due to costs and challenges on the inventory and fit sides. Universal Standard continues to lead the way in this area, offering a sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality alternative to fast fashion.

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