'Pride in Every Seam' - Bringing the 'Multi' to Children's Fashion
Sonia Smith Kang's Mixed Up Clothing Reflects Our Changing Nation
Our nation is rapidly becoming multiracial and multicultural, with children leading the way. Now thanks to the vision and talents of Sonia Smith Kang, these children can rock fashions that reflect and celebrate their richly diverse identities.
Sonia isn’t new to the Mixed game, she’s true to the game, and taking it to the next level. She’s an AfroLatina nurse turned fashion designer with a Korean husband and 4 multicultural and multilingual children. She’s a proud military brat born and reared in Puerto Rico, as well as on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, and in a primarily Latino neighborhood of Los Angeles. She’s made a name as a longtime leader in Mixed circles as a writer, multicultural expert, advocate, and activist serving as vice-president of Multiracial Americans of Southern California (MASC). She even co-founded Mixed Heritage Day at Dodger Stadium.
On top of all that, Sonia has transformed her passion for true multicultural representation into Mixed Up Clothing, a unique children’s line that is now carried by Macy’s and Belk stores!
Multiracial children are one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population.
—American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Get the deets in my recent convo with Sonia:
TaRessa: How did you go from being a nurse to creating a clothing line? And why focus on children?
Sonia: I noticed the lack of diversity in fashion, and how the current childrenswear industry doesn’t truly reflect multicultural children. As one of the fastest growing populations and with trillions in buying power, we are still underserved and underrepresented. So, I created Mixed Up Clothing through a multicultural lens to fill a gap in the market and solve for the lack of representation in fashion.
TaRessa: What sets Mixed-up Clothing apart?
Sonia: There are amazing children’s apparel lines with plenty of dresses, tops, bottoms, and accessories to go around. What sets us apart is that Mixed Up Clothing sources fabrics and trims from around the world and turns them into fun, everyday outfits that children 0 to 14 enjoy wearing. Think Frida Kahlo or sombrero prints on dresses. Or shorts and skirts in mud cloth or Kente fabric.
TaRessa: What is your vision for Mixed Up Clothing?
Sonia: We are a purpose-driven brand here to diversify and change the face of children’s fashion by providing clothing that is multicultural and embraces diversity and inclusion.
TaRessa: What has the response to Mixed Up Clothing been like?
Sonia: Parents believe in us and have positively responded to our mission. They are becoming brand ambassadors and helping us spread the message because they understand that we are more than just clothes—we exist to create impact and inspire our next generation.
TaRessa: What is the significance of Mixed Up Clothing in a time when awareness of Mixed people and appreciation of different cultures are growing?
Sonia: Growing up, I didn’t see myself in most things and fashion was no different. The multicultural consumer deserves to feel represented and have their culture recognized. The fashion industry needs a shake up and Mixed Up Clothing is here to do that.
TaRessa: What has been the biggest challenge in creating and launching this unique clothing line?
Sonia: It has been challenging to get folks to understand why centering diversity and inclusion is important. I have had to show data, provide product testing and results to show buyers why it is important. When the buyers or decision makers don’t look like you or understand the importance of representation, getting to a “yes” can be daunting.
TaRessa: How does your background impact your work?
Sonia: My father is Black, my mom is Mexican. I was fortunate to have both sides of my family share our rich culture and heritages. That intersection of culture and clothing has always been a huge connection for me. From traditional Latino attire of Ballet Folklorico to dashiki tops, pride was felt in every seam. I draw on all the beauty of my cultures and heritages and I bring that into everything I design.
TaRessa: How does your current family life inform your creativity and leadership in the Mixed community?
Sonia: Add my husband’s Korean roots to my multicultural background and you get our children. They speak English and are learning Korean and Spanish. They are my muses and the inspiration for all I do.
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Fabulous!!!!! 3 cheers for innovative thinking! (and great design!)