It’s lingerie!
But it’s not just your typical lingerie.
Instead, a company called Nubian Skin is redefining the idea of “nude lingerie” by creating a collection of skin-tone hosiery and lingerie in various shades for women with darker complexions.
Founded by Ade Hassan in London, Nubian Skin has become an international sensation, gaining press and an international customer base. Nubian Skin fills the gap in the lingerie industry and provides skin-tone options to go with women of color’s ever-expanding wardrobes.
Hassan said that while working in 2010, before deciding to start her company, she was getting increasingly frustrated about not finding nude bras or lingerie that were her color. She decided to fully pursue her dream and launched her company in 2013.
“Despite the reality that women of color have the same needs as all women when it comes to lingerie and hosiery, the industry simply doesn’t cater to us,” Hassan told me in an interview. “I believe this is in the make-up industry, too. It’s not until very recently that you have had a handful of brands that had a number of options for foundation. With the amount of money that women spend on make-up and other products, it’s like why would you ignore this segment of people?”
To tackle this frustration, Hassan created Nubian Skin to be the brand women of color can turn to when they need to find a great pair of nude hold-ups or the perfect nude bra. She hopes her collection will not only help women have an easier time with fashion styles, but it will also help them to love their bodies more.
I got the chance to talk with her briefly about her collection and how she believes it helps women around the world. Enjoy some of the interview below.
1. Why do you think having “nude” or “flesh-colored” clothes are so important for women of color?
Speaking from my own personal experience and the experience of many women, your underwear is the foundation of your outfit. Therefore, if you are in a professional environment, you want the focus to be on how you have chosen to express yourself to the world. You don’t want to draw attention to something that is supposed to give you support for your outfit, but is not suitable for your outfit or your color.
2. How do you think skin color plays a role in the way a woman accepts her body?
I think every person is affected differently so you know we all have different psychological needs. So, I can’t speak broadly for everyone, but I think when something is held up as the standard and you don’t fit that standard, you say to yourself, “Why do I not fit that standard and why is that not considered normal versus me because I feel normal?” For instance, nude is such a huge trend right now in fashion. Looking at that and saying that’s not me, but having to make it work for you can have a psychological impact. For me, I wanted to do something about this. I think everyone is different and I think it’s not practical to say you must represent everybody. It is nice to have options and for everyone to be included in that.
3. What do you hope women of color can take away from your collections when it comes to loving their bodies and the skin that they are in?
I think all skin is beautiful from the darkest dark to the palest pale. When I initially went to the manufacturer, they were a bit skeptical that I wanted to so many browns. When I went to do the final inspection, the manager told me, “these are really beautiful colors”, and that’s what I want people to realize. Darker skin is beautiful. Whether it’s milky brown or ebony, it’s beautiful. Just embrace it and know that your skin is beautiful in its own right. I hope people really do understand that and feel that. For me, catering to those kinds of tones I believe helps women to be more comfortable and to express themselves fully in their own skin.
This story was originally polished on Proud2BMe.
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