In our latest issue, we took a look at 5 wonderful (and largely women-owned!) brands who are actively trying to change the fashion landscape to better reflect the real people who are wearing their clothes. Millie's editor Kelly Meehan Brown spoke to some of their founders for the why behind their brand. First up is JessaKae (@jessakae) founder JessaKae Maddocks: “No matter their shape or size, women should be able to find comfortable, beautiful clothes,” she says. “We have no ‘plus size’ sections or collections because our dresses are for everybody. Fashion doesn’t need to be divided.” Launched in 2016, the company gave co-founder JessaKae Maddocks a creative outlet to help battle her depression. The brand was also inspired by her grandmother who was plus-size and often wore the same five outfits due to the lack of options. "I didn't realize how big of a problem size inclusion was in the industry until I stared this brand," Maddocks says. Unlike many other brands that carry big sizes, you don’t have to use your imagination to deduce how the dress will look on a body like yours. Hover over any look on their website and poof, the image changes right before your eyes: a slim model becomes a plus-size model with the wave of your mouse. “We aim for at least half of our models in collection shoots to be POC and include as many ethnicities as possible during campaign shoots,” JessaKae adds. Plus, prices range from $100-$250, making the brand an affordable option for many. Words by: Kelly Meehan Brown (@feckinlemons) Illustrations by: Lily Qian (@lilyqian_) Photo: Courtesy JessaKae #millie #milliemag #fashion #fashionweek #fashionstyle #inclusion #inclusivity #fashioninclusionnow #inclusivitymatters #differentlyabled #plussize #dresses #plussizedresses #fashioninspo #newfashion