Fashion with Purpose: How Homme D’affaire Is Shaping an Inclusive Future

Empowerment and Inclusivity: Homme D'affaires Core Values 

Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword at Homme D’affaire, it’s a core value. We are committed to creating fashion that can empower and inspire people of all backgrounds, gender, or experience. Co-CEOS, Djamina Drabo and Renukh Rampaul, are dedicated to creating opportunities for aspiring young professionals. As POC (People of Color) entrepreneurs, we understand firsthand the barriers that come with entering the business and fashion industry which is why we aim to uplift others. We are a women-led business and especially during Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize these businesses that are breaking barriers in fashion and professional development. Homme D’affaire is more than a clothing brand; it's a place for growth, support and empowerment, creating a diverse and inclusive environment in both their approach to fashion and its internal culture. 

Challenging Beauty Standards in Fashion

In the world of fashion there’s often this cookie cutter approach of what an ideal model looks like. We aim to challenge the conventional standards of the fashion industry by embracing a diverse range of models with backgrounds and experiences. Our mission is to create space for models who don’t fit the typical mold, with a goal of one day participating in New York Fashion Week and leading by example. We aim to inspire aspiring models, especially students and young professionals who might hesitate pursuing models because they don't fit the typical standards. By offering support and opportunities, we help individuals build their portfolios as well as their confidence. For example, one model who started out shy at his first photoshoot now interns in the Operations department, showcasing the growth we foster. Our Annual Fashion show on April 29th from 5-7pm is open to all, and no prior experience is needed! Just bring your confidence and energy. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gjAnXXqJ

Creating Opportunities for Aspiring Professionals 

At Homme D’affaire we take pride in being a stepping stone for aspiring young professionals, regardless of their background or experience level. The founders, Djamina and Renukh, want to create an inclusive space where everyone, no matter their background, can thrive. Whether its interns or models, we offer opportunities for growth and development, ensuring everyone is given an opportunity to grow and learn. 

The founders commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Empowerment is evident in everything the brand does. Djamina and Renukh both believe everyone should be given a chance to grow no matter their experience, as long as they are willing to learn and grow. 

“You can’t gain experience without first being given a chance” -  Renukh Rampaul & Djamina Drabo, founders of Homme D’affaire.

This is ground breaking as this thought is not as common anymore in the business world where the job market is especially tough and it’s hard to get your foot in the door. We wish to break the stereotype and support you. Our inclusive culture goes beyond fashion, we offer our interns real-world experience in business operations such as marketing, design and many more. 

One initiative that sets them apart is our internal professional development sessions. Not only are we giving them chances but we wish to see them succeed by providing young aspiring professionals with valuable skills such as resume-building, networking, and interview preparation. Our goal is not only to provide aspiring professionals the fashion they need to elevate their careers, but also offer them the opportunities for them to be at those events in the first place. 

Beyond Fashion: Making an Impact in the Community

At Homme D’affaire we aim to make an impact beyond our internal culture by providing meaningful representation for organization and clubs. We’ve had the privilege of offering custom merchandise to various organizations and clubs, with one of our most notable collaborations with ISLA (Initiative for the Study of Latin America), where we provided them with customized embroidered shirts for their club. In addition to these collaborations, we are always eager to help entrepreneurs as the CEOS know firsthand the challenges that come with starting a business. In fact, many of our interns at Homme D’affaire are driven individuals looking for entrepreneurial skills and have businesses they want to start. Working alongside us, they receive first hand experience, valuable advice and opportunities that help them grow as future business leaders. We aim to create a ripple effect of empowerment ensuring the next generation of professionals can step into the world with confidence and ambition. 

Moreover, we partner with organizations like SEEK, a platform focused on professional development for students to ensure aspiring young professionals have access to the resources they need to succeed. SEEK helps students who are academically and financially disadvantaged, offering academic, financial, and personal support to first-time college students. As SEEK students themselves, Djamina and Renukh deeply understand these challenges students face and are dedicated to giving back to the SEEK community. Whether it's offering affordable business-casual attire or providing guidance on resume building, we are creating a community of support for students who may otherwise feel excluded from the opportunities they deserve. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Homme D’affaire

Djamina and Renukh see Homme D’affaire as a dynamic and evolving brand that continues to adapt and grow. As we move forward we aim to expand our product lines including more diverse products to our collections and feature an even wider range of models with different body types and identities. 

At Homme D’affaire we wish to create a lasting impact in the world of fashion and business. We aspire to create a company that offers real opportunities of growth to everyone. As we continue to grow and break into the industry we will continue to be committed to push inclusivity and diversity in the workplace and world of fashion. 

We prove diversity isn’t a trend, but it’s a commitment and our innovative thinking will aim to make a lasting mark in society 

With passion and purpose,

The Homme D'affaire Team