People think the fashion industry is glamorous, but that’s hardly the case, local designer Keisha Woods said. After watching the documentary, True Cost, the designer of Modish & Swank Clothing Company realized the value of shopping conscientiously and making more educated decisions when choosing her clothing. Woods said she will not shop at certain companies because of their links to forced labor and disregard for appalling work conditions.

“The glamorous part of fashion is the runway show, but the runway show is the very tail-end of a collection,” Woods said. “The process between when you decide or when you sketch out a collection and when you decide to produce it — which is where I am right now — there’s a blood, sweat and tears period.”

Keisha Woods Fashion Choice Article
Photo 1 | Modish & Swank Clothing Co.
Keisha Woods, Modish & Swank Clothing Company designer, uses a sewing machine and measuring tape when sewing her handmade garments. The lace romper is the first garment she has made for her upcoming collection.

Keisha Woods Fashion Choice Article
Photo 2 | Modish & Swank Clothing Co.
Keisha Woods, Modish & Swank Clothing Company designer, stands among fabrics in the design district in Los Angeles, California, while researching to understand what makes for a good fabric. She said it was a very eye-opening experience to learn about and see good fabrics compared to fabrics that are harmful.

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