What's Happening?
Oushq, a New York-based e-tailer founded by Jessel Taank, is set to relaunch in January with a new focus on casual, contemporary offerings by South Asian and Middle Eastern designers. This relaunch is in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), marking the organization's first backing of a program featuring talent from the Global South. The collaboration will include a limited-edition collection created by a CFDA member designer and a South Asian designer, available exclusively on Oushq. The relaunch aims to spotlight around 10 brands with prices ranging from $300 to $2,000, while continuing to offer South Asian couture through its Oushq Black selection. The e-commerce platform plans global pop-ups starting in New York and extending to fashion hubs in South Asia and the Middle East.
Why It's Important?
The relaunch of Oushq represents a significant step in diversifying the U.S. fashion market by introducing contemporary South Asian and Middle Eastern brands. This move addresses the growing consumer appetite for unique, story-driven fashion pieces and supports designers whose creations are not widely available internationally. The partnership with CFDA underscores a commitment to global inclusivity in fashion, potentially setting a precedent for future collaborations with designers from underrepresented regions. This initiative could challenge the dominance of European fashion and encourage cultural exchange, while also addressing concerns of cultural appropriation by giving credit to original creators.
What's Next?
Oushq plans to host a series of global pop-ups starting in New York and expanding to cities like Mumbai, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. These events aim to increase the visibility of South Asian and Middle Eastern fashion in international markets. The CFDA's involvement suggests potential future partnerships with similar global initiatives, further promoting diversity in the fashion industry. As Oushq expands its offerings, it may influence other retailers to explore collaborations with designers from the Global South, potentially reshaping the landscape of fashion retail in the U.S.
Beyond the Headlines
The relaunch of Oushq could have deeper implications for the fashion industry, particularly in terms of cultural representation and appropriation. By focusing on authentic South Asian and Middle Eastern designs, Oushq challenges Western brands that have been criticized for cultural appropriation. This initiative promotes ethical fashion practices by ensuring that designers receive recognition and support for their work. Additionally, the collaboration with CFDA highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity in fashion, potentially inspiring other organizations to adopt similar approaches.
